Raven, C., Nahrung, H., Mackintosh, E., Marshall, A. & Howe, A. (2026). Ground Level Predator–Prey Interactions and Rainforest Structure Across 18 Permanent Plots, Cassowary Coast Region, Australia 2023. Version 1.0. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. Dataset. https://dx.doi.org/10.25901/e9jt-tt26
Ground Level Predator–Prey Interactions and Rainforest Structure Across 18 Permanent Plots, Cassowary Coast Region, Australia 2023
Ver: 1.0
Status of Data: completed
Update Frequency: notPlanned
Security Classification: unclassified
Record Last Modified: 2026-02-25
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Dataset Created: 2023-09-03
Dataset Published: 2026-02-25
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This dataset contains measurements of predation rates, predator abundance, and environmental variables collected in September 2023 across 18 permanent 20 × 20 m study plots in tropical rainforest of the Cassowary Coast Region, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland, Australia. Predation was quantified using 360 artificial plasticine caterpillars exposed for seven days and inspected for predator attack marks, alongside concurrent pitfall trapping of ground-dwelling arthropods (ants, carabid beetles, and crickets). Environmental data include tree and vine stem counts, species identifications, basal area, aboveground biomass estimates, vine-to-tree ratios, leaf area index from hemispherical photographs, litter depth, and coarse woody debris surveys. These data were collected following standardised ecological protocols to support analysis of predator–prey interactions, vegetation structure, and rainforest disturbance dynamics.
Credit
We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Purpose
The data were collected to quantify predation pressure and predator activity in relation to rainforest vegetation structure and disturbance history. Artificial caterpillars provide a standardised measure of relative predation rates across broad predator groups, while pitfall trapping captures the abundance of ground-dwelling arthropod predators. Vegetation and environmental measurements, including tree and vine structure, aboveground biomass, litter depth, and coarse woody debris, were collected to characterise habitat conditions and allow testing of how forest composition and structural complexity influence predator–prey interactions. Together, these data provide a baseline for understanding the ecological role of predators in disturbed and recovering tropical rainforests of the Wet Tropics region.
Lineage
Environmental data were collected from rainforest plots using standardised forest inventory methods. All trees and climbing plants with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm were measured, with vines classified as either woody lianas or climbing monocots (including rattans). Basal area, stem density, and vine-to-tree ratios were calculated per plot. Tree aboveground biomass was estimated using a pan-tropical allometric equation with a standardised wood density value. Canopy structure was assessed from hemispherical photographs to calculate leaf area index (LAI). Litter depth was measured at multiple points per plot and averaged, and coarse woody debris was quantified along transects. All variables were quality checked for consistency prior to analysis.
Method DocumentationGerwing, J. J., Schnitzer, S. A., Burnham, R. J., Bongers, F., Chave, J., DeWalt, S. J., . . . Martínez‐Ramos, M. (2006). A standard protocol for liana censuses 1. Biotropica: The Journal of Biology and Conservation, 38(2), 256-261.Improved allometric models to estimate the aboveground biomass of tropical treesLow, P. A., Sam, K., McArthur, C., Posa, M. R. C., & Hochuli, D. F. (2014). Determining predator identity from attack marks left in model caterpillars: guidelines for best practice. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 152(2), 120-126. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12207Howe, A., Lövei, G. L., & Nachman, G. (2009). Dummy caterpillars as a simple method to assess predation rates on invertebrates in a tropical agroecosystem. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 131(3), 325-329. doi:10.1111/j.1570-7458.2009.00860.xMARTHEWS, T., RIUTTA, T., OLIVERAS MENOR, I., URRUTIA, R., MOORE, S., METCALFE, D., MALHI, Y., PHILLIPS, O., HUARACA HUASCO, W. & RUIZ JAÉN, M. 2014. Measuring tropical forest carbon allocation and cycling: a RAINFOR-GEM field manual for intensive census plots (v3. 0). Manual, Global Ecosystems Monitoring network.
Procedure StepsData not provided.
Spatial Description
The study was conducted in eighteen permanent study plots (20 × 20 m) positioned across a gradient of forest disturbance, of the Forest Restoration and Climate Experiment (FoRCE; https://force-experiment.com/) in tropical rainforest of the Cassowary Coast Region (17° 52' S, 146° 06' E) in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland, Australia
Temporal Coverage
From 2023-09-03 to 2023-09-20
Spatial Resolution
Data not provided.
Vertical Extent
Data not provided.
Data Quality Assessment Scope
The dataset was collected following standardised ecological field protocols to ensure consistency and comparability with other tropical rainforest studies. All measurements of trees and vines (≥1 cm DBH) followed established inventory methods, with species identifications conducted by trained observers and verified against regional floras where possible. Artificial caterpillar predation assays were deployed and retrieved using consistent placement, exposure time, and handling procedures to minimise observer bias and accidental damage. Predator attack marks were assessed under stereomicroscopy by a single trained observer to maintain scoring consistency, using published reference guides for bite mark identification. Arthropod samples from pitfall traps were sorted to morphospecies and identified to genus or species by taxonomic specialists. Environmental variables, including aboveground biomass, leaf area index, litter depth, and coarse woody debris, were measured using standardised, published methods. Data were recorded in the field on paper datasheets and later transcribed into digital format with subsequent verification. All continuous variables were standardised and checked for outliers prior to analysis. Together, these procedures provide a high level of confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of the dataset.
Data Quality Report
Data not provided.
Data Quality Assessment Outcome
Data not provided.
ANZSRC - FOR
GCMD Sciences
Horizontal Resolution
Parameters
Temporal Resolution
Topic
User Defined
hill diversity index
predation proportion
Author
Contact Point
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network
80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, 4068, Australia.
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