Exploring the homogeneity of terrestrial subterranean communities at a restricted spatial scale
Author(s)
Date Issued
2020
Type
article
Volume
45
Start Page
1053
End Page
1062
ISSN
0307-6946
Journal
Abstract
Abstract. 1. Although caves are generally perceived as isolated habitats, at the
local scale, they are often interconnected via a network of fissures in the bedrock.
Accordingly, caves in close proximity are expected to host the same, or very similar,
animal communities.
2. We explored the extent to which subterranean arthropod communities are homogenous
at a local spatial scale of less than 1 km2, along with which cave-specific environmental
features result in a departure from the expected homogeneous pattern. We
approached this question by studying richness and turnover in terrestrial invertebrate
communities of 27 caves in a small karst massif in the Western Italian Alps.
3. Specialised subterranean species were homogeneously distributed among caves and
were not influenced by seasonality. The only factor driving their distribution was the
distance from the cave entrance, with deeper caves yielding a greater diversity of species.
4. Significant spatio-temporal turnover in species not specialised to subterranean life
was observed. In summer, there was a significant homogenisation of the community and
a more even distribution of species among sites; in winter, these species were missing or
found exclusively at greater depths, where environmental conditions were more stable.
Furthermore, caves at lower elevations yielded, on average, a greater diversity and
abundance of these species.
5. This study demonstrated that the theoretical expectation of no turnover in community
composition in caves in close proximity is not always met. Turnover can be mostly
attributed to seasonal patterns and sampling depth; thus, our findings have implications
for planning sampling and monitoring activities in caves.
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