Scree slopes of Portugal, a climatic refuge for invertebrates Subterranean Ecology

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Scree slopes are a type of subterranean habitat located close to the surface, and characterized by the absence of light, high humidity levels and more stable temperatures than at surface. They are formed by the erosion of exposed bedrock and the resulting rock fragments accumulate on steep slopes. The air-filled spaces between these fragments are the habitat itself. MSS habitats are protected in Europe by the Natura 2000 network, however, knowledge about their faunal communities remains limited. Furthermore, these habitats are known to be a climatic refuges for several invertebrate species, urging further studies in countries/areas where knowledge is lacking.

We surveyed the faunal communities in Portuguese scree slopes and took temperature measurements (inside the habitat and at surface). Our aim is to not only increase knowledge about these animals but also to determine whether faunal communities are affected by environmental parameters and thus understand whether they use this habitat as a climatic refuge.