Data from: The size at reproduction of canopy tree species in central Africa

Size at reproduction is a key aspect of species life history that
has been little explored for long-lived tropical trees. In this study, we
aimed to quantify reproductive diameter for 31 major timber species across
11 sites in Cameroon, Congo, and Central African Republic. Specifically, we
examined (1) whether between-species variability can be explained by a set
of seven species traits; (2) whether reproductive diameter varied
within-species among sites; (3) whether reproductive status varied with
crown exposure; and (4) whether the minimum cutting diameter limits (MCDL)
imposed by national forest regulations enable the persistence of seed trees
after logging operations. In accordance with studies conducted elsewhere in
the tropics, we found a great variability in diameter at reproduction among
species that was correlated with adult stature (maximum diameter and
height). For some species, reproductive diameter thresholds showed
substantial variation between sites, and crown exposure had a significant
positive effect on reproductive status. The majority of MCDLs was found to
be suitable, trees having high probability for being seed trees at MCDL. As
the most complete assessment of size at reproduction for timber species in
central Africa, the study has implications for the sustainable management
of production forests, highlighting questionable MCDL for some species and
between-site variation in reproductive diameter. The study also highlighted
the need for long-term phenological monitoring of tree species spanning a
large range of ecological strategies to address both theoretical (species
life-history, allocation trade-offs) and practical questions (MCDL).