Coping with drought? Effects of extended drought conditions on soil invertebrate prey and diet selection by a fossorial amphisbaenian reptile

Abstract Arid climates are characterized by a summer drought period to which animals seem adapted. However, in some years, the can extend for unusually longer periods. Examining effects of these current extreme weather events on biodiversity help understand climate change, as models predict an increase severity. Here, we examined “unusual” extended soil invertebrate prey availability and diet composition (based fecal contents) selection fossorial amphisbaenian, checkerboard worm lizard Trogonophis wiegmanni. Weather data show interannual variations duration. The abundance diversity invertebrates spring were high, similar those found “normal” early autumn, after rain had ended with drought. In contrast, years drought, abundance, autumn very low. Also, there seasonal changes amphisbaenians’ diet; diversity, niche breadth decreased respect autumns fallen. Amphisbaenians did not eat at random any season, but made that may result from drought-related restrictions availability. Finally, spite amphisbaenians showed feeding flexibility, their body condition was lower than spring, much If became norm future, might suffer important negative health state.