Data from: Linking disperser traits and habitat quality to seed dispersal effectiveness

Animal-mediated seed dispersal is a biotic interaction at risk of
disruption because of the alarming decline of seed-dispersing animal
populations as a result of habitat transformation. However, a cessation of
seed dispersal can be masked by the continuous presence of seed dispersers
in an ecosystem. Here, we assess how changes in the population and body
size of a small-bodied seed disperser (brown mouse lemur, Microcebus
rufus) and three habitat types in Madagascar's rainforest landscape
affect its seed dispersal effectiveness. We calculated population size and
body mass from monthly capture-release and systematic measurements of 815
individuals captured from 2021 to 2024. We collected 285 fecal samples
from captured individuals to calculate the diversity, number, and size of
1641 defecated seeds. In addition, we conducted germination experiments on
1035 defecated seeds. We found a significant positive association between
the diversity and germination time of dispersed seeds and M. rufus'
population size and habitat types. We also found similar results for the
number of dispersed seeds with M. rufus' population and body size and
seasons. Our findings show that M. rufus provide seed dispersal services
with fluctuating effectiveness depending on its population and body size,
as well as habitat types and seasons. Such results highlight the
importance of protecting the animal dispersers populations to promote the
persistence of ecological services and support the ecosystem's
resilience.