Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology Latest 4 Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:27:38 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Subterranean Biology https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/ Behavioral observations of the olm (Proteus anguinus) in a karst spring via direct observations and camera trapping https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/87295/ Subterranean Biology 44: 69-83

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.44.87295

Authors: Ester Premate, Žiga Fišer, Žan Kuralt, Anja Pekolj, Tjaša Trajbarič, Eva Milavc, Živa Hanc, Rok Kostanjšek

Abstract: The olm (Proteus anguinus), an endemic amphibian of the Dinarides’ underground waters (Europe), is one of the world’s most widely known subterranean species. Although various aspects of olm biology have been extensively studied, the data on their behavior in the wild remain scarce mostly due to inaccessibility of their natural habitat. Yet, olms also occur in several karstic springs during nighttime. These are easier to access and present an exciting opportunity to study olm behavior in nature. Here, we report on systematic observations of olms in one such spring in Slovenia, where we observed them for nine consecutive summer nights, coupling direct on-site observations with IR camera trap recordings. We used IR camera trap recordings to construct simple ethograms, as well as to quantify olm movement activity by video-tracking. Olms regularly occurred on the surface during the night, and dawn appeared to be a key stimulus for their retreat underground. They were constantly active, but rarely swam far from the spring. Despite the short-term nature of the study, we collected new occurrence and movement data, and at the same time tested the usability of IR cameras for surveying olm presence and behavior in nature. Experience gained through the study may prompt long-term and more complex behavioral studies using similar approaches.

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Research Article Thu, 1 Sep 2022 14:11:34 +0300
Is the Italian stream frog (Rana italica Dubois, 1987) an opportunistic exploiter of cave twilight zone? https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/23803/ Subterranean Biology 25: 49-60

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.25.23803

Authors: Enrico Lunghi, Giacomo Bruni, Francesco Gentile Ficetola, Raoul Manenti

Abstract: Studies on frogs exploiting subterranean environments are extremely scarce, as these Amphibians are usually considered accidental in these environments. However, according to recent studies, some anurans actively select subterranean environments on the basis of specific environmental features, and thus are able to inhabit these environments throughout the year. We present the first study on the abundance and spatial use of the Italian stream frog, Rana italica, in subterranean environments. We monthly collected data from 66 cave sectors during a whole year (2013), recording > 120 detections of R. italica. Frogs were more frequently found close to the cave entrance, without significant differences between age classes or sexes. Adults generally were observed being higher up along cave walls compared to juveniles. Frogs abundance was higher in areas showing specific environmental features, such as warm temperature, low incident light and the presence of potential prey. Rana italica likely occupies subterranean areas characterized by a combination of microclimatic suitability and prey availability.

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Short Communication Tue, 20 Mar 2018 10:40:01 +0200
Evolution of coprophagy and nutrient absorption in a Cave Salamander https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/15013/ Subterranean Biology 24: 1-9

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.24.15013

Authors: Daphne Soares, Rachel Adams, Shea Hammond, Michael E. Slay, Danté B. Fenolio, Matthew L. Niemiller

Abstract: The transition from carnivory to omnivory is poorly understood. The ability to feed at more than one trophic level theoretically increases an animal’s fitness in a novel environment. Because of the absence of light and photosynthesis, most subterranean ecosystems are characterized by very few trophic levels, such that food scarcity is a challenge in many subterranean habitats. One strategy against starvation is to expand diet breadth. Grotto Salamanders (Eurycea spelaea (Stejneger, 1892)) are known to ingest bat guano deliberately, challenging the general understanding that salamanders are strictly carnivorous. Here we tested the hypothesis that grotto salamanders have broadened their diet related to cave adaptation and found that, although coprophagous behavior is present, salamanders are unable to acquire sufficient nutrition from bat guano alone. Our results suggest that the coprophagic behavior has emerged prior to physiological or gut biome adaptations.

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Research Article Fri, 3 Nov 2017 09:31:47 +0200
Rana iberica (Boulenger, 1879) goes underground: subterranean habitat usage and new insights on natural history https://subtbiol.pensoft.net/article/1309/ Subterranean Biology 11: 15-29

DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.11.5170

Authors: Gonçalo Rosa, Andreia Penado

Abstract: Reports of amphibians exploiting subterranean habitats are common, with salamanders being the most frequent and studied inhabitants. Anurans can occasionally be observed in caves and other subterranean habitats, but in contrast to salamanders, breeding had never been reported in a cave or similar subterranean habitat in Western Europe. Based on observations during visits to a drainage gallery in Serra da Estrela, Portugal, from May 2010 to December 2012, here we document: (i) first report of Rana iberica reproduction in cave-like habitat, representing the fourth report of an anuran for the Palearctic ecozone; (ii) oophagic habits of the tadpoles of R. iberica; and (iii) Salamandra salamandra predation on R. iberica larvae. These observations, particularly of R. iberica, highlight our lack of knowledge of subterranean ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Research Article Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0300