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24 pages, 3561 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Global Subterranean Biodiversity: A Unique Pattern

by Louis Deharveng, Anne Bedos, Tanja Pipan and David C. Culver

Diversity 2024, 16(3), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16030157 - 01 Mar 2024

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Abstract

Since the 1980s, with the widespread use of the phrase biodiversity [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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3 pages, 210 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity Redux

by Louis Deharveng, Tanja Pipan, Anne Bedos and David C. Culver

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100794 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1238

Abstract

For most plants and animals the broad outlines of global species richness are well known, and often in some detail [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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22 pages, 5054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Baget Karstic System and the Interstitial Environment of Lachein, a Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Pyrenees (France)

by Franck Bréhier, Danielle Defaye, Arnaud Faille and Anne Bedos

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010062 - 18 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976

Abstract

Located in Lestelas-Balaguères massif, central northern Pyrenees, France, the Baget catchment covers 13.25 km² and is highly karstified: so far, more than 80 caves have been recorded. The main outlet of the system, the exsurgence de Las Hountas, has an average flow [...] Read more.

Located in Lestelas-Balaguères massif, central northern Pyrenees, France, the Baget catchment covers 13.25 km² and is highly karstified: so far, more than 80 caves have been recorded. The main outlet of the system, the exsurgence de Las Hountas, has an average flow of 550 L/s. Downstream, it is connected with the hyporheic of the Lachein stream. The Baget system, formed by both the karstic system and the hyporheic, has been intensively investigated by cave biologists and is known to be a hotspot for subterranean biodiversity. The synthesis provided here lists no less than 17 troglobionts and 40 stygobionts, with 3 single site endemics, making the Baget system the richest subterranean hotspot in the Pyrenees. This is notably due to the diversity of subterranean habitats and to the comprehensive knowledge of the stygofauna, likely unmatched at the European scale. Considering the significant speleological findings of the last 15 years that have not been yet biologically investigated, we can expect new discoveries, especially for the troglofauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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31 pages, 24829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cent Fonts Aquifer: An Overlooked Subterranean Biodiversity Hotspot in a Stygobiont-Rich Region

by Vincent Prié, Cédric Alonso, Claude Bou, Diana Maria Paola Galassi, Pierre Marmonier and Marie-José Dole-Olivier

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010050 - 12 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

The South of France is a biodiversity hotspot within Europe. Here, we present a comprehensive review of surveys conducted in the Cent Fonts aquifer, an overlooked subterranean biodiversity hotspot embedded in a region rich in stygobiotic species and threatened by climate change and [...] Read more.

The South of France is a biodiversity hotspot within Europe. Here, we present a comprehensive review of surveys conducted in the Cent Fonts aquifer, an overlooked subterranean biodiversity hotspot embedded in a region rich in stygobiotic species and threatened by climate change and water abstraction projects. Key studies, spanning from 1950 to 2006, show a progression in survey methods and results, although troglobiotic species remain poorly documented. With 43 stygobiotic species recorded, the Cent Fonts is the richest stygobiont hotspot in France. Most species are regional endemics, a quarter of which are considered vulnerable by the IUCN. The Cent Fonts also hosts several relict species and is the type locality of four species. Such a high biological value clearly deserves to be preserved. Our analysis warns of a possible decline in biodiversity, as eight of the species recorded in the 20th century were absent from the 2006 survey, suggesting potential threats of unknown origin. The capture of the Cent Font springs for water abstraction is discussed as a potential threat to this ecosystem and its unique biodiversity. Three new species of stygobiotic molluscs are described, one of which was collected in the Cent Fonts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 16944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Size Matter? Two Subterranean Biodiversity Hotspots in the Lessini Mountains in the Veneto Prealps in Northern Italy

by Leonardo Latella

Diversity 2024, 16(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010025 - 30 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 892

Abstract

In the Lessini Mountains, the southernmost prealpine area in the Veneto region, thousands of caves are found, many of which have been extensively studied from the biological point of view. Numerous studies have been carried out on taxonomic and biogeographic aspects over the [...] Read more.

In the Lessini Mountains, the southernmost prealpine area in the Veneto region, thousands of caves are found, many of which have been extensively studied from the biological point of view. Numerous studies have been carried out on taxonomic and biogeographic aspects over the last hundred years. Two caves, in particular, have been found to be extremely rich in species adapted to life in subterranean environments. These are the Arena Cave in the Monti Lessini Veronesi and the Buso della Rana cave system in the Monti Lessini Vicentini. The two caves have extremely different development: Arena Cave is about 100 meters in length, and the Buso della Rana-Pisatela cave system is more than 37 km in length. Despite this huge difference in size, they both have the highest number of subterranean dwelling species in northern Italy (16 troglobionts and 8 stygobionts in Arena Cave, and 7 troglobionts and 11 stygobionts in the Buso della Rana-Pisatela cave system). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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26 pages, 10263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tham Chiang Dao: A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in Northern Thailand

by Louis Deharveng, Martin Ellis, Anne Bedos and Sopark Jantarit

Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15101076 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1566

Abstract

The Doi Chiang Dao massif, which became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021, is the highest karst mountain in Thailand. Tham Chiang Dao cave is located at the foot of this massif and is among the best-known caves in Thailand, having been visited [...] Read more.

The Doi Chiang Dao massif, which became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021, is the highest karst mountain in Thailand. Tham Chiang Dao cave is located at the foot of this massif and is among the best-known caves in Thailand, having been visited since prehistoric times, and being a sacred place for the local Shan and Thai people. The cave consists of five main interconnected passages with a total length of 5342 m which ranks it as the 11th longest cave in Thailand. Tham Chiang Dao is the best studied cave in Thailand with a long series of explorations, investigations and zoological collecting. Here, we summarize the 110 years of biological exploration and investigation devoted to this cave. A total of 149 taxa have been recognized in Tham Chiang Dao, of which 61 have been identified to species level. The cave is the type locality for 14 species. The obligate subterranean fauna includes 37 species, of which 33 are troglobionts and 4 are stygobionts. Conservation issues are addressed in the discussion. This work is intended to provide a reference for the knowledge of cave fauna of the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and a tool for its management by the local cave management committee, the National Cave Management Policy Committee, and the Department of Mineral Resources. It also documents the biological importance of Tham Chiang Dao in the Doi Chiang Dao UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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35 pages, 6266 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity on the Brink: Mo So Cave and the Hon Chong Karst of Vietnam

by Louis Deharveng, Cong Kiet Le, Anne Bedos, Mark L. I. Judson, Cong Man Le, Marko Lukić, Hong Truong Luu, Ngoc Sam Ly, Tran Quoc Trung Nguyen, Quang Tam Truong and Jaap Vermeulen

Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15101058 - 02 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

The southern part of the Mekong Delta Limestones of Vietnam (MDL-HC or Hon Chong karst) comprises numerous small limestone hills. It is a hotspot of biodiversity for soil and cave invertebrates. Here, we synthesize the results of biological surveys carried out in Hang [...] Read more.

The southern part of the Mekong Delta Limestones of Vietnam (MDL-HC or Hon Chong karst) comprises numerous small limestone hills. It is a hotspot of biodiversity for soil and cave invertebrates. Here, we synthesize the results of biological surveys carried out in Hang Mo So, the richest MDL-HC cave for troglobionts, and in surrounding karsts. Methodologies for the ecological characterization of species are discussed, with emphasis on parallel sampling (external soil plus cave). Hang Mo So has 27 troglobionts, including many still undescribed. An additional 40 cave-obligate species are known from other caves of MDL-HC. Among them, several are expected to be found in Hang Mo So. Most troglobionts of MDL-HC are endemic. Several relictual taxa without close relatives in Southeast Asia occur in Hang Mo So and in MDL-HC, reflecting an ancient origin of the fauna. The reasons for this richness are uncertain, but the cause of its current destruction—quarrying—is all too evident. Most of the original 4 km² of the MDL-HC karst has been destroyed or soon will be, ultimately leaving only 1.6 km² unquarried. Endemic species linked to karst habitats are, therefore, under clear threat of extinction. The Hon Chong karst (MDL-HC) was listed among the ten most endangered karsts on the planet 25 years ago. Today it would probably top the list. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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15 pages, 5510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

There and Back Again—The Igatu Hotspot Siliciclastic Caves: Expanding the Data for Subterranean Fauna in Brazil, Chapada Diamantina Region

by Jonas Eduardo Gallão, Deyvison Bonfim Ribeiro, Jéssica Scaglione Gallo and Maria Elina Bichuette

Diversity 2023, 15(9), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15090991 - 04 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 761

Abstract

The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism) quartzites, which makes them [...] Read more.

The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism) quartzites, which makes them even more relevant from the point of view of subterranean diversity. For five caves, which we named Igatu Cave System (ICS), thirty-seven obligate cave species were found, of which thirty-five were troglobitic and two were stygobitic. The troglobitic taxa for ICS belong to three phyla, nine classes, 18 orders, and 32 families, representing a high phylogenetic diversity. Some taxa were, for the first time, reported as troglobitic in Brazil and even worldwide, such as Acari and scutigeromorphans (Chilopoda). We started the studies in 2009 and continue trough long-term monitoring projects. Some threats, severe in the past, such as “garimpo’’ (illegal small-scale artisanal mining) continue nowadays in an incipient way; however, the urban expansion due to the touristic appeal is also considered a threat. Our data ranked ICS as the Brazilian hotspot with the highest number of troglobitic/stygobitic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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20 pages, 3196 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Subterranean Species of the Vjetrenica Cave System in Bosnia and Herzegovina

by Teo Delić, Tanja Pipan, Roman Ozimec, David C. Culver and Maja Zagmajster

Diversity 2023, 15(8), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15080912 - 06 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

The Western Balkan’s Vjetrenica Cave in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for high richness of subterranean species. However, the data on its fauna have been published only in monographs printed in a small number of copies, making them hardly accessible to the [...] Read more.

The Western Balkan’s Vjetrenica Cave in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina is renowned for high richness of subterranean species. However, the data on its fauna have been published only in monographs printed in a small number of copies, making them hardly accessible to the wider scientific community. To overcome this issue, we compiled the data from published monographs with the data from our own recent field surveys. Further, as they are connected via water channels or small crevices in bedrock, we defined the Vjetrenica Cave System as a system comprising Vjetrenica and Bjelušica Caves and Lukavac Spring. Altogether, 93 troglobiotic, i.e., obligate subterranean aquatic (48) and terrestrial (45), taxa were reported for the system, verifying the Vjetrenica Cave System as the second richest locality in subterranean biodiversity in the world. The global uniqueness of the system is also reflected in the fact that as many as 40 troglobiotic species were described from the system. Finally, we reviewed the factors endangering this unique subterranean community and questioned whether it will withstand human-induced changes and pressures due to infrastructural development in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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28 pages, 11527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feihu Dong, a New Hotspot Cave of Subterranean Biodiversity from China

by Sunbin Huang, Mingzhi Zhao, Xiaozhu Luo, Anne Bedos, Yong Wang, Marc Chocat, Mingyi Tian and Weixin Liu

Diversity 2023, 15(8), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15080902 - 30 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1045

Abstract

China is a country with abundant karst landscapes, but research on cave biodiversity is still limited. Currently, only Ganxiao Dong, located in Huanjiang, Guangxi, has been reported as a hotspot for cave biodiversity. Many of the world’s most troglomorphic species in the major [...] Read more.

China is a country with abundant karst landscapes, but research on cave biodiversity is still limited. Currently, only Ganxiao Dong, located in Huanjiang, Guangxi, has been reported as a hotspot for cave biodiversity. Many of the world’s most troglomorphic species in the major groups of cave animals have been recently discovered in China, making the existence of many more hotspots in the country likely. Feihu Dong, one of these potential hotspot caves, has been systematically investigated to complement a preliminary species list of 1995, leading to the discovery of 62 species of animals from the cave. Among them, 27 are considered troglobionts or stygobionts, 26 are considered troglophiles or stygophiles, and nine are classified as trogloxenes or stygoxenes. Research on the cave biodiversity of Feihu Dong has demonstrated that it currently holds the highest number of known cave animal species in China. Among the most remarkable features of this fauna is the co-occurrence of five species of cave-obligate beetles, all modified for cave life. The biological survey was limited to a small part of the cave. Several habitats (like guano) have not been investigated so far, and several important cave groups have been insufficiently or not sampled (like Ostracoda). Meanwhile, the system increases in length with each new caving expedition. Further discoveries of cave organisms in Feihu Dong are therefore expected. As Feihu Dong and Ganxiao Dong are the only caves in China that have been extensively studied for a large range of organisms, and as they are located in karstic areas that are similar in richness to other regions of southern China, it can be confidently assumed that several other caves of high biodiversity will be discovered in the coming years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 1658 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Crystal-Wonder Cave System: A New Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Southern Cumberland Plateau of South-Central Tennessee, USA

by Matthew L. Niemiller, Kirk S. Zigler, Amata Hinkle, Charles D. R. Stephen, Brendan Cramphorn, Jared Higgs, Nathaniel Mann, Brian T. Miller, K. Denise Kendall Niemiller, Kelly Smallwood and Jason Hardy

Diversity 2023, 15(7), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15070801 - 23 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 6342

Abstract

The Crystal-Wonder Cave System developed in the Western Escarpment of the southern Cumberland Plateau in the Interior Low Plateau karst region of south-central Tennessee, USA is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity. We combined historical literature, museum accessions, and database occurrences with new [...] Read more.

The Crystal-Wonder Cave System developed in the Western Escarpment of the southern Cumberland Plateau in the Interior Low Plateau karst region of south-central Tennessee, USA is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity. We combined historical literature, museum accessions, and database occurrences with new observations from bio-inventory efforts conducted between 2005 and 2022 to compile an updated list of troglobiotic and stygobiotic biodiversity for the Crystal-Wonder Cave System. The list of cave-limited fauna includes 31 species (23 troglobionts and 8 stygobionts) with 28 and 18 species documented from the Crystal and Wonder caves, respectively, which represents five phyla, ten classes, nineteen orders, and twenty-six families (six arachnids, three springtails, two diplurans, three millipedes, six insects, three terrestrial snails, one flatworm, five crustaceans, and two vertebrates, respectively). The Crystal-Wonder Cave System is the type locality for six species—Anillinus longiceps, Pseudanophthalmus humeralis, P. intermedius, Ptomaphagus hatchi, Tolus appalachius, and Chitrella archeri. The carabid beetle Anillinus longiceps is endemic to the Crystal-Wonder Cave System. Sixteen species are of conservation concern, including twelve taxa with NatureServe conservation ranks of G1–G3. The exceptional diversity of the Crystal-Wonder Cave System has been associated with several factors, including a high dispersal potential of cave fauna associated with expansive karst exposures along the Western Escarpment of the southern Cumberland Plateau, a high surface productivity, and a favorable climate throughout the Pleistocene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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23 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Água Clara Cave System in Northeastern Brazil: The Richest Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in South America

by Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira, Mylène Berbert-Born and Marconi Souza-Silva

Diversity 2023, 15(6), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060761 - 09 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1344

Abstract

The Água Clara Cave System (ACCS) in Brazil is the richest hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in South America. In this study, we present an updated list of cave-restricted species in the ACCS and compare it with previously published hotspots in Brazil. Our list [...] Read more.

The Água Clara Cave System (ACCS) in Brazil is the richest hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in South America. In this study, we present an updated list of cave-restricted species in the ACCS and compare it with previously published hotspots in Brazil. Our list of cave-obligate fauna comprises 31 species, including 23 troglobionts and 8 stygobionts. The exceptional diversity of the ACCS can be attributed to factors related to the high dispersal potential of cave fauna within the system, high surface productivity, and the large size of the cave system size. Notably, we observed highly troglomorphic species in the ACCS, some of which are the most troglomorphic species in their respective groups in Brazil. The huge volume of galleries, high humidity, and trophic conditions prevailing in the ACCS may have played a role in shaping the strong troglomorphic traits observed in these species. However, all the obligate cave species in the ACCS require conservation attention and are at an elevated risk of extinction due to their limited ranges, few occurrences, and many potential threats. This study sheds light on the biodiversity and conservation status of cave-restricted fauna in the ACCS and highlights the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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19 pages, 5856 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Subterranean Fauna of the Lukina Jama–Trojama Cave System in Croatia: The Deepest Cave in the Dinaric Karst

by Marko Lukić, Cene Fišer, Teo Delić, Helena Bilandžija, Martina Pavlek, Ana Komerički, Tvrtko Dražina, Branko Jalžić, Roman Ozimec, Rajko Slapnik and Jana Bedek

Diversity 2023, 15(6), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060726 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2431

Abstract

The Dinaric Karst is a global hotspot for subterranean diversity, with two distinct peaks of species richness in the northwest and southeast, and an area of a lower species richness in the central part. In this article, we present a species list and [...] Read more.

The Dinaric Karst is a global hotspot for subterranean diversity, with two distinct peaks of species richness in the northwest and southeast, and an area of a lower species richness in the central part. In this article, we present a species list and describe the ecological conditions of the Lukina jama–Trojama cave system, located in the central part of the Dinaric Karst. This cave system is the deepest and one of the most logistically challenging cave systems sampled so far in the Dinaric Karst. Repeated sampling resulted in a list of 45 species, including 25 troglobionts, 3 troglophiles, 16 stygobionts, and 1 stygophile. Most of the recorded species are endemic to the Velebit Mountain, while three species are endemic to the Lukina jama–Trojama cave system. Within the system, species richness peaks in the deepest third of the cave, most likely reflecting the harsh ecological conditions in the upper parts, including ice, cold winds, and occasional waterfalls. Milder and more stable deeper parts of the cave contain a rich subterranean species community, part of which is associated with two very distinct aquatic habitats, the cave hygropetric and the phreatic zone. The newly recognized hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in the central Dinaric Karst, which has emerged between the two known centers of biodiversity, further highlights the species richness in large cave systems, but also challenges the diversity patterns in the Dinaric Karst overall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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16 pages, 2136 KiB

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Fern Cave: A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Interior Low Plateau Karst Region of Alabama in the Southeastern United States

by Matthew L. Niemiller, Michael E. Slay, Thomas Inebnit, Benjamin Miller, Benjamin Tobin, Brendan Cramphorn, Amata Hinkle, Bradley D. Jones, Nathaniel Mann, K. Denise Kendall Niemiller and Steve Pitts

Diversity 2023, 15(5), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15050633 - 06 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4265

Abstract

The Fern Cave System, developed in the western escarpment of the Southern Cumberland Plateau of the Interior Low Plateau karst region in Northeastern Alabama, USA, is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity as well as home to the largest winter hibernaculum for the [...] Read more.

The Fern Cave System, developed in the western escarpment of the Southern Cumberland Plateau of the Interior Low Plateau karst region in Northeastern Alabama, USA, is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity as well as home to the largest winter hibernaculum for the federally endangered Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens). We combined the existing literature, museum accessions, and database occurrences with new observations from bioinventory efforts conducted in 2018–2022 to generate an updated list of troglobiotic and stygobiotic species for the Fern Cave System. Our list of cave-limited fauna totals twenty-seven species, including nineteen troglobionts and eight stygobionts. Two pseudoscorpions are endemic to the Fern Cave System: Tyrannochthonius torodei and Alabamocreagris mortis. The exceptional diversity at Fern Cave is likely associated with several factors, such as the high dispersal potential of cave fauna associated with expansive karst exposures along the Southern Cumberland Plateau, high surface productivity, organic input from a large bat colony, favorable climate throughout the Pleistocene, and location within a larger regional hotspot of subterranean biodiversity. Nine species are of conservation concern, including the recently discovered Alabama cave shrimp Palaemonias alabamae, because of their small range sizes, few occurrences, and several potential threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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Beyond Expectations: Recent Discovery of New Cave-Restricted Species Elevates the Água Clara Cave System to the Richest Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in the Neotropics

by Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira and Marconi Souza-Silva

Diversity 2023, 15(12), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15121215 - 14 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 995

Abstract

The Água Clara Cave System was previously recognized as a prominent hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in South America, harboring 31 cave-restricted species. However, a recent expedition conducted in September 2023, coinciding with an exceptionally dry period in the region, provided access to previously [...] Read more.

The Água Clara Cave System was previously recognized as a prominent hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in South America, harboring 31 cave-restricted species. However, a recent expedition conducted in September 2023, coinciding with an exceptionally dry period in the region, provided access to previously unexplored areas. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the cave-restricted invertebrate species, extending the findings from a previous article on the Agua Clara Cave System published in June 2023, and emphasizing the significance of this system as one of the most crucial tropical biodiversity hotspots. This survey unveiled an additional 10 species, raising the count of cave-restricted species within the system to an impressive 41. This remarkable diversity not only solidifies the Água Clara Cave System’s position as a paramount hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in the tropics but also serves as a stark warning about the imminent risks faced by these species. The escalating human-induced alterations in the region, notably deforestation, pose a significant risk to the survival of many of these unique and endemic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity—2nd Volume)

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