Are caiman nests microhabitats? Assessing their ecological role across different levels of anthropogenic disturbance

Wild vertebrates face increasing threats from human activities, particularly land-use changes, which disrupt ecological interactions and ecosystem structure. Crocodilian nests, viewed as microhabitats, are crucial for understanding these impacts and developing comprehensive conservation strategies. We aimed to assess vertebrate species richness, interactions, and visitation frequency at Caiman latirostris nests in Santa Fe, Argentina, across varying levels of habitat disturbance. Over four nesting seasons (2018-2022), we monitored 64 nests in forests, savannas, and marshes through camera traps, resulting in 9,062 trap-nights. A total of 100 species were recorded, including 74 birds, 23 mammals, and 3 reptiles, though some reptiles could not be identified due to nocturnal photos. Species richness correlated with nesting season and habitat type, peaking in the driest season and in forest environments. Despite expectations, no link was found between species richness and anthropization. Of ..., , , # Caiman nests as microhabitats

\[Access this dataset on Dryad: DOI:10.5061/dryad.5dv41nsgv]

This dataset compiles data collected through camera trap monitoring of 64 Caiman latirostris nests over four nesting seasons (2018–2022) in Santa Fe, Argentina. The study aimed to assess vertebrate species richness, interactions, and visitation frequency across different habitat types and levels of anthropogenic disturbance. The dataset includes metadata on species detections, derived measures of species richness, and interaction metrics such as the Interaction Strength Index (ISI). A total of 100 vertebrate species were recorded visiting caiman nests, of which 62 were found to interact effectively with them, providing insight into the ecological role of these animal-built structures.

## Description of the data and file structure

The analyses were performed using RStudio software. First, metadata were extracted from the photos obtained through camera trapping, based on the information provid...,