CaecilianTraits

Functional traits are different among species, which determine the ecological niche a species occupied and the ability of the species to adapt to environment. However, differences in traits also exist at intraspecific level. Such variations shape differences in individual survival capabilities. Investigating the intraspecific differences of functional traits is important for ecology, evolutionary biology and biodiversity conservation. Individual trait-based approaches have been applied in plant ecology. But for animals, most databases only provide data at the species level. In this study, we presented a global database of morphological traits for caecilians (Amphibia, Gymnophiona) at individual-level. Caecilians are a unique group of amphibians characterized by their secretive habits, which also have limited our understanding of this taxon. We compiled the most comprehensive database covering 218 out of 222 known species, with 159 of them have individual-level data. This database will facilitate research in the ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, and taxonomy of caecilians. Furthermore, this dataset can be utilized to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses at the individual level.