Constraints on habitat possibilities: overwintering of a micro snail species facing climate change consequences in a harsh environment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish the overwintering strategy and cold tolerance in V. moulinsiana. We observed a seasonal change in the SCP measurements, indicating that the species' preparation for winter results in a decrease in the SCP. Along with the results obtained from the frost survival experiment, this suggests the presence of a freezing avoidance strategy in this species. It overwinters in a buffered zone, separated from harsh conditions by a layer of leaf litter and snow, which protects it from temperature fluctuations and severe frost. The results of our research may indicate a possible poor resistance of these snails to snow-free conditions. Therefore, climate change-induced alterations could profoundly impact this species, especially considering the predicted disappearance of snow before the frost.