Changing with the times: Seasonal environmental gradients unveil dynamic bat assemblages and vulnerability.

ABSTRACT: Uncovering the temporal and spatial dynamics of biological communities in response to biotic and abiotic drivers is essential to predict the effects of environmental change on biodiversity. Similarly, estimating species vulnerability in the face of such dynamics is crucial for implementing effective conservation actions. We explored how bat diversity changes over the year across an altitudinal gradient and identified the environmental drivers that shape bat communities. By analysing species' marginality within the biophysical niche space, we evaluated bats' vulnerability to foreseeable environmental changes. Our results suggest that altitude, the proportion of forest cover and shrub cover are the main drivers shaping bat communities year-round. Additionally, while some bat species are rest

SUBMITTER: Raposeira H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10352094 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature