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Cianferoni F, Lunghi E. Inferring on Speleomantes Foraging Behavior from Gut Contents Examination. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2782. [PMID: 37685046 PMCID: PMC10486601 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We here provide the first comprehensive analysis and discussion on prey consumed by the European cave salamanders of the genus Speleomantes. Our study stems from the need to shed light on the still unknown foraging behavior adopted by Speleomantes cave salamanders. Starting from the published datasets on gut contents from all Speleomantes species (including hybrids), we here discuss additional information (i.e., species ecology, lower taxonomic level), which were systematically omitted from those data sets. We analyzed a data set consisting of 17,630 records from 49 categories of consumed prey recognized from gut contents of 2060 adults and juveniles Speleomantes. Flying prey accounted for more than 58% of the prey items, while elongated crawling prey accounted for no more than 16% of the diet within a single population. Among the total recognized prey items, only three can be surely ascribed to the group of strictly-cave species (i.e., troglobites), meaning that European cave salamanders mostly forage in surface environment, and therefore represent one of the major drivers of allochthonous organic matter in subterranean environments. Some of the consumed prey seemed to be aquatic, allowing us to hypothesize whether Speleomantes are able to catch prey from a shallow body water. Furthermore, European cave salamanders possess the ability to prey upon taxa characterized by particular anti-predator defenses, while morphological constraints seem to be the most important limit to prey consumption. For each specific case, we provide insights and propose hypotheses concerning the foraging behavior that need to be tested to properly understand the foraging behavior of this cryptic salamanders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Cianferoni
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 50019 Firenze, Italy;
- Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, “La Specola”, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Department of Life Health and Environmental Sciences (MeSVA), Università degli Studi dell’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Associazione Natural Oasis, 59100 Prato, Italy
- Unione Speleologica Calenzano, 50041 Calenzano, Italy
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2
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Cogoni R, Di Gregorio M, Cianferoni F, Lunghi E. Monitoring of the Endangered Cave Salamander Speleomantes sarrabusensis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030391. [PMID: 36766280 PMCID: PMC9913285 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we performed the first monitoring activities on one of the most endangered amphibians in Europe, the Sette Fratelli cave salamander Speleomantes sarrabusensis. The data presented here are derived from two monitoring activities aiming to assess the status and abundance of four populations of S. sarrabusensis. With the first monitoring, we surveyed the well-known population occurring within artificial springs during the period 2015-2018, providing monthly data on the number of active individuals. With the second monitoring performed during spring to early summer of 2022, we surveyed four populations at three time points (the one from artificial springs and three from forested areas) and we provided the first estimation of the populations' abundance. Furthermore, we analyzed for the first time the stomach contents from a population of S. sarrabusensis only occurring in forested environments. With our study, we provided the first information on the abundance of different populations of S. sarrabusensis, representing the starting point for future status assessments for this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cogoni
- Unione Speleologica Cagliaritana, Quartu Sant’Elena, 09045 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Milos Di Gregorio
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri (IRET), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Firenze, Italy
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università degli Studi di Firenze, “La Specola”, 50125 Firenze, Italy
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, Sanità Pubblica, Scienze Della Vita e dell’ambiente (MeSVA), Universià degli Studi dell’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- Associazione Natural Oasis, 59100 Prato, Italy
- Unione Speleologica Calenzano, 50041 Calenzano, Italy
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3
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Lunghi E, Cianferoni F, Corti C, Zhao Y, Manenti R, Ficetola GF, Mancinelli G. The trophic niche of subterranean populations of Speleomantes italicus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18257. [PMID: 36309527 PMCID: PMC9617932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The determination of a species trophic niche can clarify its functional role within a food web and how prey resources are used in relation with the spatial and temporal variability of environmental conditions. This information may result particularly useful for the implementation of conservation plans of endangered species having a cryptic behaviour or living in places difficult to be surveyed. Here we present the first long-term study on the trophic niche of the Italian cave salamander Speleomantes italicus, a strictly protected facultative cave species that seasonally exploits surface environments (e.g., forested areas) as well as both natural and artificial subterranean environments. We analysed the diet variation of six populations of S. italicus inhabiting natural caves, surveyed 24 times in a full year. During the surveys, all sampled individuals were subjected to stomach flushing and the ingested prey were identified and enumerated; furthermore, salamanders' body condition was also evaluated. The results of the analyses provided the first comprehensive, year-round assessment of the diet for a Speleomantes species. Remarkable divergences in terms of trophic niche and body condition were observed between the studied populations. We found a discrepancy in the foraging activity of the populations located in different areas; specifically, the individuals that experienced sub-optimal microclimatic conditions poorly performed in foraging. Furthermore, we found temporal and spatial variability in the body condition of individuals. Our study highlighted a remarkably high spatial and temporal divergence in the trophic habits of conspecific populations, a feature that may represent one of the major factors promoting the variability of multiple population traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China ,grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Dipartimento di Medicina clinica, sanità pubblica, scienze della vita e dell’ambiente (MESVA), University of L’Aquila, Coppito, L’Aquila Italy ,grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy ,Natural Oasis, Prato, Italy ,Unione Speleologica Calenzano, Calenzano, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Istituto di Ricerca Sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri (IRET), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Sesto Fiorentino, Florence Italy
| | - Claudia Corti
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Zoologia, “La Specola”, Museo di Storia Naurale, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Yahui Zhao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Raoul Manenti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,Laboratorio di Biologia Sotterranea “Enrico Pezzoli”, Parco Regionale del Monte Barro, Galbiate, Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy ,grid.450308.a0000 0004 0369 268XLaboratoire d’Écologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- grid.9906.60000 0001 2289 7785Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), Università del Salento, Lecce, Italy ,grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (IRBIM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Lesina, Foggia Italy ,grid.10911.380000 0005 0387 0033CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Roma, Italy
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The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172221. [PMID: 36077941 PMCID: PMC9454711 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Studies on species’ trophic niches are essential to understand the characteristics of species’ ecology and life traits, as well as to improve conservation strategies. In the absence of competitors, species realize their trophic niche including in their diet the most profitable food resources. In the presence of competitors, species modify their preferences to reduce competition and maintain the highest benefits at the same time. In this study, we assessed the trophic niche of two species of salamanders coexisting in a forested area of Italy and evaluated which might be the mechanisms that these two species adopted to reduce competition. We found that the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) mostly consumed flying prey with a hard cuticle, while the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) preferred worm-like and soft-bodied prey. In conclusion, we hypothesize that in our case, the two species of salamanders did not have to change their prey preference in order to avoid competition, but divergences in metabolism and behavioral traits likely worked as natural deterrent. Abstract The trophic niche of a species is one of the fundamental traits of species biology. The ideal trophic niche of a species is realized in the absence of interspecific competition, targeting the most profitable and easy-to-handle food resources. However, when a competitor is present, species adopt different strategies to reduce competition and promote coexistence. In this study, we assessed the potential mechanisms that allow the coexistence of two generalist salamanders: the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). We surveyed, in April 2021, a forested area of Emilia-Romagna (Italy) during rainy nights. Analyzing the stomach contents of the captured individuals, we obtained information on the trophic niche of these two sympatric populations. Comparing our results with those of previous studies, we found that the two species did not modify their trophic niche, but that alternative mechanisms allowed their coexistence. Specifically, different prey preferences and predator metabolisms were likely the major factors allowing reduced competition between these two generalist predators.
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Wang Y, Smith HK, Goossens E, Hertzog L, Bletz MC, Bonte D, Verheyen K, Lens L, Vences M, Pasmans F, Martel A. Diet diversity and environment determine the intestinal microbiome and bacterial pathogen load of fire salamanders. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20493. [PMID: 34650115 PMCID: PMC8516891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98995-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse communities of symbiotic microbes inhabit the digestive systems of vertebrates and play a crucial role in animal health, and host diet plays a major role in shaping the composition and diversity of these communities. Here, we characterized diet and gut microbiome of fire salamander populations from three Belgian forests. We carried out DNA metabarcoding on fecal samples, targeting eukaryotic 18S rRNA of potential dietary prey items, and bacterial 16S rRNA of the concomitant gut microbiome. Our results demonstrated an abundance of soft-bodied prey in the diet of fire salamanders, and a significant difference in the diet composition between males and females. This sex-dependent effect on diet was also reflected in the gut microbiome diversity, which is higher in males than female animals. Proximity to human activities was associated with increased intestinal pathogen loads. Collectively, the data supports a relationship between diet, environment and intestinal microbiome in fire salamanders, with potential health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology & Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hannah K. Smith
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology & Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Pathology, Bacteriology & Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lionel Hertzog
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Department of Biology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium ,Thünen Institute for Biodiversity, Bundesallee 68, 38116 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Molly C. Bletz
- grid.6738.a0000 0001 1090 0254Evolutionary Biology Lab, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Dries Bonte
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Department of Biology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Verheyen
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsberge Steenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Luc Lens
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Department of Biology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Miguel Vences
- grid.6738.a0000 0001 1090 0254Evolutionary Biology Lab, Zoological Institute, Braunschweig University of Technology, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Brunswick, Germany
| | - Frank Pasmans
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology & Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Wildlife Health Ghent, Department of Pathology, Bacteriology & Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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6
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Matich P, Bizzarro JJ, Shipley ON. Are stable isotope ratios suitable for describing niche partitioning and individual specialization? ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02392. [PMID: 34164866 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As concerns about anthropogenic and natural disturbance grow, understanding animal resource use patterns has been increasingly prioritized to predict how changes in environmental conditions, food web structure, and population dynamics will affect biological resilience. Among the tools used to assess resource use, stable isotope analysis has proliferated in ecological studies, particularly in relation to describing intra- and interspecific variation in trophic interactions. Despite a growing need to disseminate scientific information, the inherent limitations of stable isotope ratios and inappropriate synonymizing of distinct evolutionary and ecological processes may mislead ecological inferences in natural systems. This situation necessitates a re-evaluation of the utility of stable isotope ratios to address certain ecological questions. Here, we assess the efficacy of stable isotope ratios to describe two fundamental ecological processes, niche partitioning and individual specialization. Investigation of these processes has increased substantially in accordance with increased access to stable isotope data. This article discusses the circumstances and approaches that are necessary to evaluate niche partitioning and individual specialization, and outlines key considerations for the associated application of stable isotope ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Matich
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, 77553, USA
| | - Joseph J Bizzarro
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, California State University, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, California, 95039, USA
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystems and Climate, University of California, Santa Cruz, 110 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, USA
| | - Oliver N Shipley
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
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7
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Ecological Observations on Hybrid Populations of European Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Speleomantes. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13070285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Speleomantes are the only plethodontid salamanders present in Europe. Multiple studies have been performed to investigate the trophic niche of the eight Speleomantes species, but none of these studies included hybrid populations. For the first time, we studied the trophic niche of five Speleomantes hybrid populations. Each population was surveyed twice in 2020, and stomach flushing was performed on each captured salamander; stomach flushing is a harmless technique that allows stomach contents to be inspected. We also assessed the potential divergence in size and body condition between natural and introduced hybrids, and their parental species. Previously collected data on Speleomantes were included to increase the robustness of these analyses. In only 33 out of 134 sampled hybrid Speleomantes we recognized 81 items belonging to 11 prey categories. The frequency of empty stomachs was higher in females and individuals from natural hybrid populations, whereas the largest number of prey was consumed by males. We compared the total length and body condition of 685 adult salamanders belonging to three types of hybrids and three parental (sub)species. Three group of salamanders (one hybrid and two parental species) showed significantly larger size, whereas no difference in body condition was observed. This study provided novel ecological information on Speleomantes hybrid populations. We also provided insights into the potential divergence between hybrids and parental species in terms of size and body condition. We discuss our findings, and formulate several hypotheses that should be tested in the future.
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Updating salamander datasets with phenotypic and stomach content information for two mainland Speleomantes. Sci Data 2021; 8:150. [PMID: 34108483 PMCID: PMC8190193 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-021-00931-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
European plethodontid salamanders (genus Speleomantes; formerly Hydromantes) are a group of eight strictly protected amphibian species which are sensitive to human-induced environmental changes. Long-term monitoring is highly recommended to evaluate their status and to assess potential threats. Here we used two low-impact methodologies to build up a large dataset on two mainland Speleomantes species (S. strinatii and S. ambrosii), which represents an update to two previously published datasets, but also includes several new populations. Specifically, we provide a set of 851 high quality images and a table gathering stomach contents recognized from 560 salamanders. This dataset offers the opportunity to analyse phenotypic traits and stomach contents of eight populations belonging to two Speleomantes species. Furthermore, the data collection performed over different periods allows to expand the potential analyses through a wide temporal scale, allowing long-term studies. Measurement(s) | Gastric Content • Image | Technology Type(s) | light microscopy • Digital Photography | Sample Characteristic - Organism | Speleomantes • Hydromantes | Sample Characteristic - Environment | Subterranean • karst cave • mine | Sample Characteristic - Location | Italy • Region of Liguria • Municipality of Genova • Province of La Spezia |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14346176
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Mammola S, Lunghi E, Bilandžija H, Cardoso P, Grimm V, Schmidt SI, Hesselberg T, Martínez A. Collecting eco-evolutionary data in the dark: Impediments to subterranean research and how to overcome them. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5911-5926. [PMID: 34141192 PMCID: PMC8207145 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caves and other subterranean habitats fulfill the requirements of experimental model systems to address general questions in ecology and evolution. Yet, the harsh working conditions of these environments and the uniqueness of the subterranean organisms have challenged most attempts to pursuit standardized research.Two main obstacles have synergistically hampered previous attempts. First, there is a habitat impediment related to the objective difficulties of exploring subterranean habitats and our inability to access the network of fissures that represents the elective habitat for the so-called "cave species." Second, there is a biological impediment illustrated by the rarity of most subterranean species and their low physiological tolerance, often limiting sample size and complicating laboratory experiments.We explore the advantages and disadvantages of four general experimental setups (in situ, quasi in situ, ex situ, and in silico) in the light of habitat and biological impediments. We also discuss the potential of indirect approaches to research. Furthermore, using bibliometric data, we provide a quantitative overview of the model organisms that scientists have exploited in the study of subterranean life.Our over-arching goal is to promote caves as model systems where one can perform standardized scientific research. This is important not only to achieve an in-depth understanding of the functioning of subterranean ecosystems but also to fully exploit their long-discussed potential in addressing general scientific questions with implications beyond the boundaries of this discipline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Mammola
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
| | - Enrico Lunghi
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and EvolutionInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze“La Specola”FirenzeItaly
| | - Helena Bilandžija
- Department of Molecular BiologyRudjer Boskovic InstituteZagrebCroatia
| | - Pedro Cardoso
- Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research (LIBRe)Finnish Museum of Natural History (LUOMUS)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological ModellingHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZLeipzigGermany
- Plant Ecology and Nature ConservationUniversity of PotsdamPotsdamGermany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle‐Jena‐LeipzigLeipzigGermany
| | - Susanne I. Schmidt
- Institute of HydrobiologyBiology Centre CASČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | | | - Alejandro Martínez
- Dark‐MEG: Molecular Ecology GroupWater Research Institute (IRSA)National Research Council (CNR)VerbaniaItaly
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10
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Magomedov M. Partitioning of trophic resource on example of the rodent community dwelling in the high mountain zone of the Eastern Caucasus. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20213500016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Quantitative and qualitative feeding characteristics of some rodent species co-living in the high mountain zone of the Eastern Caucasus (Republic of Daghestan) were investigated. The diet of S. uralensis consisted of 23 plant species, C. gud – 22 plant species, M. arvalis – 27 plant species, C. migtatorius – 26 plant species and D. nitedula – 19 plant species. The largest dietary breadths were M. arvalis and C. migtatorius and the least was S. uralensis. In spring, Carex spp. predominated in the diets of rodent species; in summer, the diets consisted mainly of cereals, and the autumn rodents diets consisted mainly of forbs and legumes. The maximum values of the dietary niches overlapping were found in pairs of the following species: S. uralensis C. gud, C. gud - C. migtatorius, M. arvalis C. migtatorius. Average values of the dietary niches overlapping for all rodents were 0.529, 0.277, 0.459, respectively, in spring, summer and autumn.
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11
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Are the Neglected Tipuloidea Crane Flies (Diptera) an Important Component for Subterranean Environments? DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12090333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Usually, biospeleological studies focus on cave-specialist taxa showing strong adaptation to the subterranean environment, as their unusual morphological and ecological features represent intriguing case studies. On the other hand, species occurring in subterranean environments but without marked adaptations have been generally overlooked, probably because they are thought to be accidental and not very important for the ecosystem. Particularly exemplificative is the case of Tipuloidea crane flies (Diptera), which although abundant, are rarely considered in biospeleological studies. Here, by analyzing the crane fly occupancy, we observed that individuals occur within the shallowest areas of subterranean environments throughout the year, with a peak of presence during hot season. Crane flies occupy dark and warm areas close to the connection with surface and with smoother walls. Furthermore, we observed that the presence of crane flies is positively related to the abundance and the richness of cave predators, highlighting their importance for the sustainment of the local community. With this study we aim to stimulate future researches on these important, but still neglected cave species.
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12
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Lunghi E, Manenti R, Cianferoni F, Ceccolini F, Veith M, Corti C, Ficetola GF, Mancinelli G. Interspecific and interpopulation variation in individual diet specialization: Do environmental factors have a role? Ecology 2020; 101:e03088. [PMID: 32320485 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Individual diet specialization (IS) has important community- and population-level implications and its ecological drivers are actively investigated. Here, to test the hypothesis that local environmental conditions may influence IS in wild populations, we analyzed the stomach contents of 395 individuals from eight populations of five allopatric species of European cave salamanders (genus Hydromantes). We assessed whether their degree of individual diet specialization (1) scaled positively with the respective niche widths, in agreement with Van Valen's niche variation hypothesis (NVH), and (2) could be predicted by satellite-derived climatic and vegetation characteristics of the sites where the populations live. Consistent with the NVH, the degree of individual diet specialization increased with the populations' total niche width. Furthermore, two variables describing local nonarboreal vegetation cover and habitat heterogeneity successfully predicted the variation in individual specialization across the eight populations. Climatic factors had a generally low predictive power, with individual specialization in low- and high-elevation populations showing contrasting patterns of co-variation with air temperature in the warmest quarter of the year. However, independently from elevation, specialization peaked under conditions of high nonarboreal vegetation cover and high precipitation regimes. We discussed the results against two mutually nonexclusive scenarios hypothesizing different mechanisms linking environmental factors to salamanders' trophic strategy at an individual and population level. We concluded that satellite-derived climatic and vegetation variables to date generally adopted to model Grinnellian niches might also be useful in predicting spatial variations in dietary habits of populations, that is, their Eltonian niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1, Beijing, 100101, China.,Museo di Storia Naturale "La Specola" dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Romana 17, Firenze, 50125, Italy.,Biogeographie, Universität Trier Fachbereich VI Raum-und Umweltwissenschaften, Universitätsring 15, Trier, 54286, Germany
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milano, 20133, Italy
| | - Fabio Cianferoni
- Museo di Storia Naturale "La Specola" dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Romana 17, Firenze, 50125, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri (IRET), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Madonna del Piano, Sesto Fiorentino (Firenze), 50019, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccolini
- Museo di Storia Naturale "La Specola" dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Romana 17, Firenze, 50125, Italy
| | - Michael Veith
- Biogeographie, Universität Trier Fachbereich VI Raum-und Umweltwissenschaften, Universitätsring 15, Trier, 54286, Germany
| | - Claudia Corti
- Museo di Storia Naturale "La Specola" dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Romana 17, Firenze, 50125, Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, Milano, 20133, Italy.,Laboratoire d'Écologie Alpine (LECA), Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CS 40700, Grenoble, 38058, France
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche ed Ambientali (DiSTeBA), Università del Salento, Centro Ecotekne, S.P. Lecce-Monteroni, Lecce, 73100, Italy.,Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (IRBIM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pola, 4, Lesina (Foggia), 71010, Italy.,CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, Piazzale Flaminio, 9, Roma, 00196, Italy
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Lunghi E, Giachello S, Zhao Y, Corti C, Ficetola GF, Manenti R. Photographic database of the European cave salamanders, genus Hydromantes. Sci Data 2020; 7:171. [PMID: 32504009 PMCID: PMC7275050 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-0513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
European Hydromantes are a group of eight salamander species often occurring in subterranean habitats, which are a difficult environment to explore. All Hydromantes are strictly protected species and thus, low-impact methodologies to study these salamanders are strongly needed. Here we used a photographic technique to produce a large dataset of European Hydromantes, providing standardised pictures of 1,052 individuals belonging to the eight species, including hybrids as well. With our methodology we were able to reduce the handling time of individuals, and produce high quality pictures useful to investigate multiple life traits of these endangered species. Furthermore, the standardised photos provided here can be used for future comparisons of individuals from the surveyed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Lunghi
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Museo "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
| | - Simone Giachello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
| | - Yahui Zhao
- Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Claudia Corti
- Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università degli Studi di Firenze, Museo "La Specola", Firenze, Italy
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, LECA, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Raoul Manenti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Same Diet, Different Strategies: Variability of Individual Feeding Habits across Three Populations of Ambrosi’s Cave Salamander (Hydromantes ambrosii). DIVERSITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12050180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an in-depth study on the trophic niche of the Ambrosi’s cave salamander (H. ambrosii), assessing the potential divergences among three different populations. All the populations had a similar diet composition, showing a wider trophic niche in fall compared to spring. In only one population, “true specialists” were present; however, in all three populations, generalist individuals always represented the larger proportion. Interspecific and intraspecific competition did not play an important role in determining individual dietary specialisation in H. ambrosii; contrarily, the characteristics of the surrounding environment seemed to be an important factor. The best body conditions were observed in the population located in the site where the non-arboreal vegetation cover was the highest. Besides providing new information on the trophic niche of H. ambrosii, we here showed that studies encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the population level are needed to fully understand the trophic dynamics occurring among European cave salamanders.
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Abstract
The discipline of subterranean biology has provided us incredible information on the diversity, ecology and evolution of species living in different typologies of subterranean habitats. However, a general lack of information on the relationships between cave species still exists, leaving uncertainty regarding the dynamics that hold together cave communities and the roles of specific organisms (from the least to the most adapted species) for the community, as well as the entire ecosystem. This Special Issue aims to stimulate and gather studies which are focusing on cave communities belonging to all different typologies of subterranean habitats, with the overarching goal to corroborate the key role of the subterranean biology in ecological and evolutionary studies.
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Abstract
Many species of salamanders (newts and salamanders per se) have a pivotal role in energy flow pathways as they include individuals functioning as prey, competitors, and predators. Here, I synthesize historic and contemporary research on the reciprocal ecological role of salamanders as predators and prey in aquatic systems. Salamanders are a keystone in ecosystem functioning through a combination of top–down control, energy transfer, nutrient cycling processes, and carbon retention. The aquatic developmental stages of salamanders are able to feed on a wide variety of invertebrate prey captured close to the bottom as well as on small conspecifics (cannibalism) or other sympatric species, but can also consume terrestrial invertebrates on the water surface. This capacity to consume allochthonous resources (terrestrial invertebrates) highlights the key role of salamanders as couplers of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (i.e., aquatic–terrestrial linkages). Salamanders are also an important food resource for other vertebrates such as fish, snakes, and mammals, covering the energy demands of these species at higher trophic levels. This study emphasizes the ecological significance of salamanders in aquatic systems as central players in energy flow pathways, enabling energy mobility among trophic levels (i.e., vertical energy flow) and between freshwater and terrestrial habitats (i.e., lateral energy flow).
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