BETA-FOR_SP6_Seed_Removal_Slugs_2023

This dataset includes slug occurrences and the seed removal by slugs in all 234 BETA-FOR patches in May and June 2023. Slug occurrences were recorded using camera traps. Each camera was provided with one seedcard. One camera was placed in the center of each patch (in the University Forest outside the fence) and the second camera was placed 10 – 15 meters away from the center. The seedcards are 10 x 10 cm with 20 little hollows. Each hollow was provided with one seed. Four types of seed were chosen: Linum spp. & Allium ursinum as control seeds without an elaiosome and Anemone nemorosa and Carex digitata as seeds with elaiosome.

The camera traps took pictures every minute. The time each slug spent in the patch and on each seedcard was measured in minutes. It was recorded when the slug entered the picture/seedcard and left the picture/seedcard. These records were counted as occurrences since we cannot identify individuals and thus no true abundances.

The seed removal was analyzed as the number of seeds that were taken by the slugs on each seedcard. We excluded data where other animals were seen on the seedcards, and seeds were missing afterwards.

NA’s in the dataset are present when the seedcards were not completely seen in the pictures, the seedcard was flipped by animals, we had an overexposure to light and the pictures were white, or other animals than slugs were responsible for the seed removal.

All collected samples were analyzed by Lisa Albert.