Amphibian diversity in the Amazonian floating meadows: a Hanski core?satellite species system

The Amazon catchment is the largest river basin on earth, and up to 30% of its waters flow across floodplains. In open waters, floating plants known as meadows abound. They can act vectors dispersal for their associated fauna and, therefore, be important spatial structure communities. Here, we focus amphibian diversity in Amazonian over large scales. We recorded 50 species 57 sites, covering around 7000 km along courses. Using multi-site generalised dissimilarity modelling zeta diversity, tested Hanski's core-satellite hypothesis identified existence two functional groups operating under different ecological processes meadows. ‘Core' are with meadows, while ‘satellite' adjacent environments, being only occasional or accidental occupants vegetation. At scales, mostly determined by stochastic (i.e. random/neutral) processes, whereas at regional climate deterministic niche-based) central drivers. Compared turnover ‘core' species, increases much faster distances also controlled a wider range climatic features. Distance not limiting factor suggesting that they have stronger ability even distances. This probably related passive long-distance individuals rivers via vegetation rafts. this sense, facilitate dispersal, effect should riverine habitats such