Abstract
Several species of surface salamanders exploit underground environments; in Europe, one of the most common is the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). In this study, we investigated if fire salamander larvae occurring in groundwater habitats can affect the abundance of some cave-adapted species. We analyzed the data of abundance of three target taxa (genera Niphargus (Amphipoda; Niphargidae), Monolistra (Isopoda; Sphaeromatidae) and Dendrocoelum (Tricladida; Dedrocoelidae)) collected in 386 surveys performed on 117 sites (pools and distinct subterranean stream sectors), within 17 natural and 24 artificial subterranean habitats, between 2012 and 2019. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between target taxa abundance, fire salamander larvae occurrence, and environmental features. The presence of salamander larvae negatively affected the abundance of all the target taxa. Monolistra abundance was positively related with the distance from the cave entrance of the sites and by their surface. Our study revealed that surface salamanders may have a negative effect on the abundance of cave-adapted animals, and highlited the importance of further investigations on the diet and on the top-down effects of salamanders on the subterranean communities.
Highlights
Salamanders represent an important fraction of aquatic and terrestrial biomass in several environments
Salamanders are known to regulate the nutrient flows within aquatic food webs by affecting the abundance of zooplankton and tadpoles [3]
With this study we aim to assess if the occurrence of fire salamander larvae in subterranean habitats affects the abundance of cave adapted animals
Summary
Salamanders represent an important fraction of aquatic and terrestrial biomass in several environments. Several peculiar adaptations to a total terrestrial or to a complete aquatic life evolved separately in different salamanders’ lineages allowing the exploitation of a large variety of environments [1]. In both cases, salamanders often retain the role of keystone predators, affecting the structure of the communities in different aquatic and terrestrial habitats [2]. Salamanders are known to regulate the nutrient flows within aquatic food webs by affecting the abundance of zooplankton and tadpoles [3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
