Environmental suitability models predict population density, performance and body condition for microendemic salamanders.

ABSTRACT: Species can show strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses suggested that variation in abundance can be related to environmental suitability, as the highest abundances are often observed in populations living in the most suitable areas. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms through which variation in environmental suitability determines abundance. We analysed populations of the microendemic salamander Hydromantes flavus, and tested several hypotheses on potential relationships linking environmental suitability to population parameters. For multiple populations across the whole species range, we assessed suitability using species distribution models, and measured density, activity level, food intake and body condition index. In high-suitabili

SUBMITTER: Lunghi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5951833 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature