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Variations in the abundance of the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis) in a habitat and climatic gradient in central Spain

Abstract:

Global change affects species and ecosystems by modifying population dynamics and the function and structure of ecosystems. The effects of drivers of global change on species depend on their traits and the location of each population within their geographical distribution area. For example, the quality of the niche decreases at the limit of the geographical distribution of species. The Iberian Peninsula is the southern limit of distribution of many species of Euro-Siberian origin, being the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis) one of those that may be affected by the modification of its habitat. In this study, we evaluated the effect of vegetation type, soil and climate on the abundance of the Iberian mole along climatic and geographical gradients in the Community of Madrid (central Spain). Our results confirmed that Iberian moles were more abundant in bioclimatic stages with temperate and humid conditions, such as mountains, which are linked to human livestock grazing activities. The abandonment of these due to changes in economic activity reduces the density and diversity of earthworm communities, making it difficult to obtain food. The reduction of mole populations has consequences for ecosystems, as they favor soil regeneration and contribute to the maintenance of floristic biodiversity, thus improving ecosystem and food chain conservation.