Open Collections

Description

Abstract

Many studies of tropical forest ecology occur in protected areas such as national parks.  We have a limited understanding of the composition and structure of trees in areas outside forests, such as urban areas or along roads. Here we report three datasets that are critical for understanding how tree communities differ in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Our data allow the user to contrast trees in three different land-use types that represent a rural to urban gradient: forests inside conservation areas (20 plots), fencerows (68 plots), and municipal parks (36 parks).  We measured and identified trees >7cm diameter in addition to collecting ancillary data such as plot area (in hectares) and canopy cover (in percent). We also collated information for each identified species on functional characteristics including: status as native to Guanacaste, Costa Rica, leaf habit (evergreen, deciduous, or other) and whether the tree species produces fruit that are edible for humans. Collectively, these data allow the user to calculate stand-level properties such as basal area and percentage of the tree community that is evergreen.