Data Paper. Data Paper

File List Three data sets and associated metadata are presented in the following files. <b>Small mammals:</b> <i> Data files --</i>Fray_Jorge_Small_Mammals_198903-200512.txt <i>Metadata --</i>Fray_Jorge_Small_Mammal_Metadata.php <b>Vegetation:</b> <i> Data files --</i> Fray_Jorge_Annuals_1989-2005.txt Fray_Jorge_Perennials_1989-2005.txt Fray_Jorge_Seeds_1989-2002.txt Fray_Jorge_Seeds_2003-2005 I.txt Fray_Jorge_Seeds_2003-2005 II.txt <i>Metadata --</i>Fray_Jorge_Plant_Metadata.php <b>Precipitation:</b> <i> Data files --</i> Fray_Jorge_Precipitation_1989-2005.csv <i>Metadata --</i> Fray_Jorge_Precipitation_Metadata.php Description The data set covers a 16-year period (1989–2005) of monthly small-mammal surveys and associated habitat and environmental data. Small mammals are trapped every month on all experimental plots, and both ephemeral and perennial plant cover and soil seed bank composition are measured at regular intervals. Rainfall is recorded and compiled annually (through 1998) or monthly; information on captured small mammals and on all vegetative and rainfall data are contained in associated files. These data have been applied to diverse population- and community-level analyses and remain useful for investigations of population dynamics, species interactions, and the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors. Sampling is ongoing and data will be added over time. <i>Key words: biotic vs. abiotic interactions; climate; competition; ENSO; ephemeral plant cover; LTREB data; predation; semiarid ecosystem; shrub cover; small mammals.</i>