Abstract
Anchialine caves are characterized by high levels of endemism and extreme conditions. However, few ecological studies have been conducted in these ecosystems. This study integrates biotic and abiotic parameters of two sets of cave systems with contrasting high and low species richness. Seven ecological patterns are used to explain the expected species richness and density in an anchialine cave. In addition, the population size for conspicuous macrofauna was estimated. The high impact that single-events have on anchialine fauna are also reported. These findings reinforce the conclusions of previous studies of the high extinction risk of anchialine cave fauna, and substantiate the necessity of ad hoc conservation strategies for anchialine caves.
Highlights
Underwater caves can be freshwater, marine or anchialine (i.e., “tidally-influenced subterranean estuary located within crevicular and cavernous karst and volcanic terrains that extends inland to the limit of seawater penetration” [1,2]) [1,3,4]
Temperature patterns of the mixoeuhaline waters from anchialine caves were dependent on the nature of the connection with the sea
Underwater caves present a distinct series of challenges and require a high degree of specialization by the organisms inhabiting them [4]
Summary
Underwater caves can be freshwater, marine or anchialine (i.e., “tidally-influenced subterranean estuary located within crevicular and cavernous karst and volcanic terrains that extends inland to the limit of seawater penetration” [1,2]) [1,3,4]. Underwater caves have characteristic fauna with high levels of micro-endemism (species known from only one or two caves) [5,6,7], relict species [8], and fauna related to those from the deep sea [9,10]. As a result, they have been identified as natural laboratories [4,11,12,13], where the process of speciation in cave fauna arises from adaptation to unique conditions such as the lack of light, low energy availability, and semi-isolation [4,14]. There is a limited understanding of the ecological function within anchialine cave environments [34,35]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
