Salamander loss alters montane stream ecosystem functioning and structure through top-down effects

The changes observed may have been caused by release of salamander larvae predatory pressure on invertebrates, which could have promoted their grazing on periphyton, in contrast to their preference for leaf shredding in the presence of salamander. Our study demonstrates an important role of salamander larvae in montane streams through top-down control of lower trophic levels and thus in regulating key stream ecosystem processes.  Leer más.