The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy.

ABSTRACT: The trophic niche of a species is one of the fundamental traits of species biology. The ideal trophic niche of a species is realized in the absence of interspecific competition, targeting the most profitable and easy-to-handle food resources. However, when a competitor is present, species adopt different strategies to reduce competition and promote coexistence. In this study, we assessed the potential mechanisms that allow the coexistence of two generalist salamanders: the Italian cave salamander (Speleomantes italicus) and the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). We surveyed, in April 2021, a forested area of Emilia-Romagna (Italy) during rainy nights. Analyzing the stomach contents of the captured individuals, we obtained information on the trophic niche of these two sy

SUBMITTER: Lunghi E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9454711 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature