Data from: Interspecific variation in conspecific negative density dependence can make species less likely to coexist

Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) is thought to promote plant
species diversity. Theoretical studies showing the importance of CNDD
often assumed that all species are equally susceptible to CNDD; however,
recent empirical studies have shown species can differ greatly in their
susceptibility to CNDD. Using a theoretical model, we show that
interspecific variation in CNDD can dramatically alter its impact on
diversity. First, if the most common species are the least regulated by
CNDD, then the stabilising benefit of CNDD is reduced. Second, when seed
dispersal is limited, seedlings that are susceptible to CNDD are at a
competitive disadvantage. When parameterised with estimates of CNDD from a
tropical tree community in Panama, our model suggests that the competitive
inequalities caused by interspecific variation in CNDD may undermine many
species’ ability to persist. Thus, our model suggests that variable CNDD
may make communities less stable, rather than more stable.