Buffered microclimate determines the presence of Salamandra corsica

Abstract

Numerous amphibian species occupy microhabitats with buffered thermal and moisture conditions, typically under forest canopies. Here, we assessed whether the insular endemic Salamandra corsica also uses this type of habitat, which could have important implications for its conservation. We used data loggers to record the air temperature and air humidity at 4 h intervals over a period of 2 years, at 13 stations with a confirmed presence of S. corsica. These data were compared with those recorded at Corsican weather stations and those generated by a climate model (WorldClim 2). The weather station data showed significant deviations from the probe data, by an average of − 1.26 °C (minimum temperature), + 2.61 °C (maximum temperature), and − 0.04% (relative humidity). Similarly, the WorldClim 2 data showed significant deviations from the probe data, by an average of − 2.49 °C (minimum temperature) and + 1.69 °C (maximum temperature). These discrepancies reflect the use of densely vegetated and topographically complex habitats by S. corsica, which reduce temperature fluctuations. Overall, our results highlight the importance of natural vegetal cover in the conservation of populations of this endemic salamander.

Keywords

Fire salamander / Island endemic / Microclimate / Probe / Threatened species

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