Forest structure mediates topographic effects on salamanders’ abundance in European unmanaged forests

Forest Ecology and Management 2026 Open access

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Authors: Luca Bigagli, Sebastiano Salvidio, Giacomo Rosa, Elisa Del Bono, Andrea Costa
DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2026.123934
Cited by: 1
References: 55

Abstract

• Detection-corrected salamander abundance estimated using Bayesian N-mixture models. • Topography shapes salamander abundance directly and indirectly via forest structure. • Salamandrina perspicillata peaks in north-facing valley bottoms with open canopies. • Speleomantes strinatii favours mature forests with dense canopy and rocky refugia. • SEM reveals species-specific pathways linking terrain, forest structure, and abundance.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Amphibian and Reptile Biology Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy

Publication details

Journal / source
Forest Ecology and Management
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
617
Pages
123934–123934
Publication date
27 May 2026
Language
EN