DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.25234375.v1
title: <i>Diospyros crassiflora</i> tree diameter, spatial distribution and genetic diversity

description: This dataset contains information on the spatial distribution, stem diameter, flowering status, genetic diversity and native range of ebony trees (<i>Diospyros crassiflora</i> Hiern). The first six datasets are based on observations from four forest plots in Cameroon.1. <b>D_crassiflora_forest_inventory_relUTM.csv</b>: This file lists individual ebony trees recorded across four forest inventory plots (Plots A–D). The table includes the following columns: tree_ID (a unique identifier for each tree), relative UTM coordinates (meters in X and Y directions, datum WGS84), dbh (diameter at breast height in cm), and flower (coded as 1 if flowers were observed in at least one inventory, and 0 if no flowers were observed). UTM zones 33N and 32N were used for trees in plots A, B, C and trees in plot D, respectively.2. <b>Forest_inventory_shape_relUTM</b>: This archive contains one polygon shapefile per plot, delineating areas suitable for ebony growth (excluding swamps, large rivers, bare rock, and farmland). All shapefiles are projected in the same relative UTM coordinates as above. 3. <b>D_crassiflora_SSR.csv</b>: This file contains microsatellite genotypes for ebony trees and seeds sampled in and around Plots A and B (low hunting pressure) and Plot C (high hunting pressure). The dataset includes genotypes at 17 microsatellite loci, with two alleles per locus. Allelic values represent the sizes of PCR amplicons of microsatellite alleles in base pairs. The column child_of indicates the ID of the mother tree under which each seed was collected. Missing data are denoted as ‘NA’. This dataset can be used to assess spatial genetic structure and conduct parentage analyses.4. <b>Seed_fate_vs_density&distance.csv</b>: Ebony seeds were experimentally deposited in groups around adult reference trees at predefined densities (2 or 25 seeds) and distances (2 or 50 meters). This file records the fate of each seed after two months. Seed fate is categorized using binary indicators (1) for one of the following discrete outcomes: germinated (first pair of leaves fully deployed), ungerminated (no sign of germination or germination interrupted), or removed (seed absent).5. <b>Seedling_fate_vs_density&distance.csv</b>: Ebony seedlings were planted under the same density and distance treatments described above. The file reports the fate of each seedling after two years, using binary indicators (1) for the following outcomes: survived (seedling alive) or died (seedling removed by predators or dead).6. <b>Seed_fate_vs_post_dispersal.csv</b>: This dataset reports the outcomes of a post-dispersal seed fate experiment. Each Ebony seed was subjected to one of three treatments: placed on the ground (Ground), inserted into reconstituted elephant dung (Dung), or left into an ebony fruit (Fruit). Treatments were replicated within experimental groups defined by geographic coordinates (decimal degrees, datum WGS84) and were implemented both within and outside of exclusion cages (cage = 1 or 0). The experiment was conducted over two consecutive years; in the second year, a fourth treatment was added, using ebony seeds retrieved from elephant dung and reinserted into dung within exclusion cages. Seed fate was recorded with binary indicators (1) for the following outcomes: first pair of leaves fully deployed (germinated), seed with no sign of germination or germination interrupted (ungerminated) or seed absent (removed).7. <b>D_</b><b>crassiflora_range.zip</b><b>:</b> This file contains a polygon shapefile representing the geographic distribution range of Diospyros crassiflora. Source of the data: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4084977Note. To protect the locations of exploitable trees, we distribute relative rather than absolute coordinates. Original WGS84 latitude/longitude were converted to UTM in the appropriate zone (32N or 33N; meters). Within each zone, we subtracted that zone’s minimum Easting (X) and Northing (Y) from all points (and plot polygons), yielding local X, Y offsets with origin at the south-west–most point of the zone’s dataset. This preserves all within-zone distances, shapes, and spatial statistics. Researchers who require the absolute coordinates may contact Vincent Deblauwe (corresponding author) with a brief explanation of the research purpose and intended data use.The methodologies used to generate these datasets are detailed in the Methods section of the associated publication in Science Advances.