Topography and aridity influence oak woodland bird assemblages in southern Europe

摘要: Abstract The increasing frequency and severity of drought spells in southern Europe has been associated with reduced growth increased defoliation mortality several tree species, consequently affecting woodland productivity, structure biodiversity. However, topographic variation microclimatic features may buffer against the negative effects at a local level. Here, we aimed to evaluate influence on oak communities along an aridity gradient. For this, quantified cork structure, bird species richness, abundance, caterpillar biomass north- south-facing slopes gradient across south-western Iberian Peninsula. Drier microclimates had lower cover richness abundance than north-facing slopes, magnitude these differences markedly from wetter (tree ∼5–15% south facing slopes) drier regions (∼50–60% lower). This reduction is mainly driven by foraging likely response resource availability, as was also ∼50% slopes. complexity Mediterranean Basin seems be shaping community-level trophic chain responses Southern Europe. Our results suggest that conditions can potentially act refugia for high biodiversity characteristic woodlands other landscapes. We discuss management measures needed help maximize resiliency socio-ecological systems face climate change.