Methods for studying earthworm dispersal

Dispersal is a key driver of species composition and functional traits in earthworm communities. However, it has been largely overlooked in ecological literature on earthworms because it is particularly difficult to study. In this publication, we review recent developments that have been made in this field of research. We present methods to assess dispersal distance, such as Capture-Mark-Recapture and molecular tools, and methods using dispersal corridors or X-ray imagery aiming at identifying the mechanisms triggering dispersal in earthworms communities.