Updating salamander datasets with phenotypic and stomach content information for two mainland Speleomantes

Enrico Lunghi,Simone Giachello,Yahui Zhao,Claudia Corti,Gentile Francesco Ficetola,Fabio Cianferoni,Raoul Manenti

doi:10.1038/s41597-021-00931-w

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.

Highlights

European cave salamanders are a group of eight amphibians endemic to Italy and to a small part of the French Provence[1], all belonging to the genus Speleomantes[1]
We here describe a new database reporting data on two endangered Speleomantes species that can be handled only under specific national authorizations. This dataset includes information on the population structure, phenotypic traits and diet of individuals belonging to two mainland Speleomantes species: S. strinatii and S. ambrosii
Typology of data The salamander’s database code “Cave” or “Mine” Low resolution coordinates of the site The population code The relevant information for each site The period in which the salamander was captured The species to which the individual belongs The unique file number corresponding to each individual Indicates the salamander’s weight (g) Indicates the presence (1) or absence (0) of the male mental gland Indicates whether eggs where visible through the salamander’s belly Indicates the size of the picture scale bar Indicates if stomach was empty (1) or not (0) Indicates if stomach content was identifiable (0) or not (1) For each prey typology the total number of recognized items is reported

Summary

Introduction

Background & SummaryEuropean cave salamanders are a group of eight amphibians endemic to Italy and to a small part of the French Provence[1], all belonging to the genus Speleomantes[1] (formerly considered Hydromantes). This dataset includes information on the population structure, phenotypic traits and diet of individuals belonging to two mainland Speleomantes species: S. strinatii and S. ambrosii.

Results

Conclusion