Bryophyte and plant seedling composition and abundance data for Hakalau Forest NWR

This data release includes data and metadata on 1) the coverage and composition of bryophytes and other ground cover, 2) seedling abundance, composition, and rooting substrate and 3) sampling locations. All sites were within Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii Island. This study aims to evaluate the role of bryophytes in seedling recruitment and thus forest regeneration in different forest types. We compared bryophyte composition and coverage between tree species (Acacia koa and Metrosideros polymorpha) and forest types (intact forest and restoration forest) and then sampled native woody seedling recruitment in the bryophytes as well as other ground covers, such as leaf litter, bare soil, and exotic grass.