Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Prey and Predators

by Sebastiano Salvidio

Diversity 2022, 14(3), 218; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14030218 - 16 Mar 2022

Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Salamanders comprise more than 700 living species, mainly found in the Northern hemisphere (i [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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12 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

COI Metabarcoding Provides Insights into the Highly Diverse Diet of a Generalist Salamander, Salamandra salamandra (Caudata: Salamandridae)

by Adam J. D. Marques, Vanessa A. Mata and Guillermo Velo-Antón

Diversity 2022, 14(2), 89; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14020089 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3723

Abstract

DNA metabarcoding has proven to be an accessible, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool for dietary analysis of predators in situ. Although DNA metabarcoding provides numerous benefits in characterizing diet—such as detecting prey animals that are difficult to visually identify—this method has seen limited application [...] Read more.

DNA metabarcoding has proven to be an accessible, cost-effective, and non-invasive tool for dietary analysis of predators in situ. Although DNA metabarcoding provides numerous benefits in characterizing diet—such as detecting prey animals that are difficult to visually identify—this method has seen limited application in amphibian species. Here, we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize the diet of fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) (Linnaeus, 1758) in three distinct regions across the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. To test the efficiency of COI-based metabarcoding in determining salamanders’ diet diversity, we compared our COI-based results with results from traditional diet studies from neighboring and distant populations, as well as with recent findings obtained in a DNA metabarcoding study using 18S. Two COI primers were used in combination to investigate the potential impact of primer bias in prey detection. Our COI metabarcoding approach increased taxonomic resolution and supported a generalist diet in S. salamandra. Between primers, there were no significant differences in the diversity and richness of prey detected. We observed differences in the prevalence of prey identified between sampling regions both in our study and in other studies of S. salamandra diet. This COI metabarcoding study provides recommendations and resources for subsequent research using DNA metabarcoding to study amphibian diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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7 pages, 839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Observations on Hybrid Populations of European Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Speleomantes

by Enrico Lunghi, Fabio Cianferoni, Stefano Merilli, Yahui Zhao, Raoul Manenti, Gentile Francesco Ficetola and Claudia Corti

Diversity 2021, 13(7), 285; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d13070285 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2298

Abstract

Speleomantes are the only plethodontid salamanders present in Europe. Multiple studies have been performed to investigate the trophic niche of the eight Speleomantes species, but none of these studies included hybrid populations. For the first time, we studied the trophic niche of five [...] Read more.

Speleomantes are the only plethodontid salamanders present in Europe. Multiple studies have been performed to investigate the trophic niche of the eight Speleomantes species, but none of these studies included hybrid populations. For the first time, we studied the trophic niche of five Speleomantes hybrid populations. Each population was surveyed twice in 2020, and stomach flushing was performed on each captured salamander; stomach flushing is a harmless technique that allows stomach contents to be inspected. We also assessed the potential divergence in size and body condition between natural and introduced hybrids, and their parental species. Previously collected data on Speleomantes were included to increase the robustness of these analyses. In only 33 out of 134 sampled hybrid Speleomantes we recognized 81 items belonging to 11 prey categories. The frequency of empty stomachs was higher in females and individuals from natural hybrid populations, whereas the largest number of prey was consumed by males. We compared the total length and body condition of 685 adult salamanders belonging to three types of hybrids and three parental (sub)species. Three group of salamanders (one hybrid and two parental species) showed significantly larger size, whereas no difference in body condition was observed. This study provided novel ecological information on Speleomantes hybrid populations. We also provided insights into the potential divergence between hybrids and parental species in terms of size and body condition. We discuss our findings, and formulate several hypotheses that should be tested in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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16 pages, 2488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Midsummer Night’s Diet: Snapshot on Trophic Strategy of the Alpine Salamander, Salamandra atra

by Luca Roner, Andrea Costa, Paolo Pedrini, Giorgio Matteucci, Stefano Leonardi and Antonio Romano

Diversity 2020, 12(5), 202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12050202 - 17 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3026

Abstract

Information on the trophic ecology of the Alpine salamander, Salamandra atra, is scattered and anecdotal. We studied for the first time the trophic niche and prey availability of a population from an area located in Italian Dolomites during the first half of August. [...] Read more.

Information on the trophic ecology of the Alpine salamander, Salamandra atra, is scattered and anecdotal. We studied for the first time the trophic niche and prey availability of a population from an area located in Italian Dolomites during the first half of August. Considering that S. atra is a typical nocturnal species, we collected food availability separately for diurnal and nocturnal hours. Our aims were: (i) to obtain information on the realized trophic niche; (ii) to provide a direct comparison between trophic strategy considering only nocturnal preys or considering all preys; (iii) to study trophic strategy of this species at the individual level. In two samplings nights we obtained prey from 50 individuals using stomach flushing technique. Trophic strategy was determined using the graphical Costello method and selectivity using the relativized electivity index. During the short timeframe of our sample, this salamander showed a generalized trophic strategy. The total trophic availability differed significantly from nocturnal availability. Interindividual diet variation is discussed in the light of the optimal diet theory. Finally, we highlighted that considering or not the activity time of the studied taxon and its preys may lead to a conflicting interpretation of the trophic strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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15 pages, 3416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Strategies of Co-occurring Newt Species across Different Conditions of Syntopy: A Test of the “Within-Population Niche Variation” Hypothesis

by Jennifer Mirabasso, Alessandra M. Bissattini, Marco A. Bologna, Luca Luiselli, Luca Stellati and Leonardo Vignoli

Diversity 2020, 12(5), 181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12050181 - 07 May 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2568

Abstract

Intraspecific trait variation in generalist animals is widespread in nature, yet its effects on community ecology are not well understood. Newts are considered opportunistic feeders that may co-occur in different syntopic conditions and represent an excellent model for studying the role of individual [...] Read more.

Intraspecific trait variation in generalist animals is widespread in nature, yet its effects on community ecology are not well understood. Newts are considered opportunistic feeders that may co-occur in different syntopic conditions and represent an excellent model for studying the role of individual feeding specialization in shaping the population dietary strategy. Here, we investigated the diet of three newt species from central Italy occurring in artificial habitats in different coexistence conditions to test the predictions of the niche width (NW) variation hypotheses. Population NW did not vary among species and between presence and absence of coexisting species. An overall positive relationship between individual specialization and population NW was observed. However, this pattern was disrupted by the condition of syntopy with newt populations showing an individual NW variation invariant with population NW in presence of coexisting species, whereas it was larger in populations occurring alone. The observed pattern of newt behavior was not consistent with any of the proposed scenarios. We found a consistent pattern with the degree of individual specialization being (1) size-dependent (specialized individuals increasing within larger sized species) and (2) assemblage-complexity-dependent (specialized individuals increasing in syntopic populations in comparison to singly populations). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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15 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Same Diet, Different Strategies: Variability of Individual Feeding Habits across Three Populations of Ambrosi’s Cave Salamander (Hydromantes ambrosii)

by Enrico Lunghi, Fabio Cianferoni, Filippo Ceccolini, Yahui Zhao, Raoul Manenti, Claudia Corti, Gentile Francesco Ficetola and Giorgio Mancinelli

Diversity 2020, 12(5), 180; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12050180 - 06 May 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3170

Abstract

European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an [...] Read more.

European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an in-depth study on the trophic niche of the Ambrosi’s cave salamander (H. ambrosii), assessing the potential divergences among three different populations. All the populations had a similar diet composition, showing a wider trophic niche in fall compared to spring. In only one population, “true specialists” were present; however, in all three populations, generalist individuals always represented the larger proportion. Interspecific and intraspecific competition did not play an important role in determining individual dietary specialisation in H. ambrosii; contrarily, the characteristics of the surrounding environment seemed to be an important factor. The best body conditions were observed in the population located in the site where the non-arboreal vegetation cover was the highest. Besides providing new information on the trophic niche of H. ambrosii, we here showed that studies encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the population level are needed to fully understand the trophic dynamics occurring among European cave salamanders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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11 pages, 1717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Salamanders Limit the Abundance of Groundwater Invertebrates in Subterranean Habitats?

by Raoul Manenti, Enrico Lunghi, Benedetta Barzaghi, Andrea Melotto, Mattia Falaschi and Gentile Francesco Ficetola

Diversity 2020, 12(4), 161; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12040161 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3509

Abstract

Several species of surface salamanders exploit underground environments; in Europe, one of the most common is the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). In this study, we investigated if fire salamander larvae occurring in groundwater habitats can affect the abundance of some cave-adapted [...] Read more.

Several species of surface salamanders exploit underground environments; in Europe, one of the most common is the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). In this study, we investigated if fire salamander larvae occurring in groundwater habitats can affect the abundance of some cave-adapted species. We analyzed the data of abundance of three target taxa (genera Niphargus (Amphipoda; Niphargidae), Monolistra (Isopoda; Sphaeromatidae) and Dendrocoelum (Tricladida; Dedrocoelidae)) collected in 386 surveys performed on 117 sites (pools and distinct subterranean stream sectors), within 17 natural and 24 artificial subterranean habitats, between 2012 and 2019. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the relationship between target taxa abundance, fire salamander larvae occurrence, and environmental features. The presence of salamander larvae negatively affected the abundance of all the target taxa. Monolistra abundance was positively related with the distance from the cave entrance of the sites and by their surface. Our study revealed that surface salamanders may have a negative effect on the abundance of cave-adapted animals, and highlited the importance of further investigations on the diet and on the top-down effects of salamanders on the subterranean communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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11 pages, 982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variability of A Subterranean Prey-Predator Community in Space and Time

by Sebastiano Salvidio, Andrea Costa, Fabrizio Oneto and Mauro Valerio Pastorino

Diversity 2020, 12(1), 17; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12010017 - 31 Dec 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

Subterranean habitats are characterized by buffered climatic conditions in comparison to contiguous surface environments and, in general, subterranean biological communities are considered to be relatively constant. However, although several studies have described the seasonal variation of subterranean communities, few analyzed their variability over [...] Read more.

Subterranean habitats are characterized by buffered climatic conditions in comparison to contiguous surface environments and, in general, subterranean biological communities are considered to be relatively constant. However, although several studies have described the seasonal variation of subterranean communities, few analyzed their variability over successive years. The present research was conducted inside an artificial cave during seven successive summers, from 2013 to 2019. The parietal faunal community was sampled at regular intervals from outside to 21 m deep inside the cave. The community top predator is the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii, while invertebrates, mainly adult flies, make up the rest of the faunal assemblage. Our findings indicate that the taxonomic composition and the spatial distribution of this community remained relatively constant over the seven-year study period, supporting previous findings. However, different environmental factors were shaping the distribution of predators and prey along the cave. Invertebrates were mainly affected by the illuminance, while salamanders were influenced by both illuminance and distance from the cave’s entrance. The inter-annual spatial distribution of the salamander population was highly repeatable and age specific, confirming a gradual shift towards the deeper parts of the cave with an increasing age. In general, the spatial distribution along the cave of this prey-predator system remained relatively constant during the seven-year study, suggesting that strong selective constraints were in action, even in this relatively recent subterranean ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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16 pages, 1148 KiB

Open AccessReview

Reciprocal Role of Salamanders in Aquatic Energy Flow Pathways

by Javier Sánchez-Hernández

Diversity 2020, 12(1), 32; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d12010032 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 9188

Abstract

Many species of salamanders (newts and salamanders per se) have a pivotal role in energy flow pathways as they include individuals functioning as prey, competitors, and predators. Here, I synthesize historic and contemporary research on the reciprocal ecological role of salamanders as predators [...] Read more.

Many species of salamanders (newts and salamanders per se) have a pivotal role in energy flow pathways as they include individuals functioning as prey, competitors, and predators. Here, I synthesize historic and contemporary research on the reciprocal ecological role of salamanders as predators and prey in aquatic systems. Salamanders are a keystone in ecosystem functioning through a combination of top–down control, energy transfer, nutrient cycling processes, and carbon retention. The aquatic developmental stages of salamanders are able to feed on a wide variety of invertebrate prey captured close to the bottom as well as on small conspecifics (cannibalism) or other sympatric species, but can also consume terrestrial invertebrates on the water surface. This capacity to consume allochthonous resources (terrestrial invertebrates) highlights the key role of salamanders as couplers of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (i.e., aquatic–terrestrial linkages). Salamanders are also an important food resource for other vertebrates such as fish, snakes, and mammals, covering the energy demands of these species at higher trophic levels. This study emphasizes the ecological significance of salamanders in aquatic systems as central players in energy flow pathways, enabling energy mobility among trophic levels (i.e., vertical energy flow) and between freshwater and terrestrial habitats (i.e., lateral energy flow). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Ecological Role of Salamanders as Predators and Prey)

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