Cave features, seasonality and subterranean distribution of non-obligate cave dwellers.

ABSTRACT: Seasonality impacts species distributions through changes of the environmental conditions that affect the presence of individuals at a given place. Although the dynamics of cave microclimates are well known, only a few studies have evaluated the effects of such dynamics on non-strictly cave species. Here we assessed if species exploiting subterranean environments show changes in habitat occupation related to seasonal variation of cave microclimates. We surveyed 16 caves in central Italy every month for one year. Caves were subdivided into longitudinal sectors of three meters. In each sector we measured cave morphology and microclimatic features, assessed the occurrence of eight non-troglobitic taxa (orthopterans, spiders, gastropods and amphibians), and related species distribution to envi

SUBMITTER: Lunghi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5428323 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature