Mesostigmatid mites (Acari: Parasitiformes) from the aphotic zone of Hacı Akif Cave (Türkiye), with the description of a new species of Macrocheles

Identification of fresh and burnt bat guano and pigeon droppings in Eastern Mediterranean karstic cave sites based on micromorphological and chemical characteristics

Caves are nutrient-limited and dark subterranean ecosystems. To date, attention has been focused on geological research of caves in China, whilst indigenous microbial diversity has been insufficiently characterized. Here, we report the fungal diversity in the pristine, oligotrophic, karst Heshang Cave, central China, using a culture-dependent method coupled with the analysis of the fungal rRNA-ITS gene sequences. A total of 194 isolates were obtained with six different media from 14 sampling sites of sediments, weathered rocks, and bat guanos. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the 194 sequenced isolates into 33 genera within 15 orders of three phyla, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota, indicating a high degree of fungal diversity in the Heshang Cave. Notably, 16 out of the 36 fungal genera were also frequently observed in solution caves around the world and 23 genera were previously found in carbonate cave, indicating potential similarities among fungal communities in cave ecosystems. However, 10 genera in this study were not reported previously in any solution caves, thus expanding our knowledge about fungal diversity in cave ecosystems. Moreover, culturable fungal diversity varied from one habitat to another within the cave, being the highest in sediments, followed by weathered rocks and bat guanos as indicated by α-diversity indexes. At the genus level, Penicillium accounted for 40, 54, and 52% in three habitats of sediments, weathered rocks, and bat guanos, respectively. Trichoderma, Paecilomyces, and Aspergillus accounted for 9, 22, and 37% in the above habitats, correspondingly. Despite of the dominance of Penicillium in all samples, β-diversity index indicated significant differences between each two fungal communities in the three habitats in view of both the composition and abundance. Our study is the first report on fungal communities in a natural pristine solution cave system in central China and sheds light on fungal diversity and functions in cave ecosystems.

Bat guano which consists of urine and feces of bats is known to be the vitality source inside a cave ecosystem. Nevertheless, commensal as well as pathogenic microorganisms that inhabit the gut of the bats might also get released into the environment via bat guano. The tested hypothesis was that there is a microbial contamination due to the release of bat guano into a water body. In the present study “Waulpane” cave was selected since it houses the largest bat roost in Sri Lanka and a freshwater stream (Halwinnedola) that flows through the cave covering the cave floor throughout the entire year. Main objective of this study was to investigate the fecal and total coliform bacteria along with total viable bacteria (TVB) and pathogenic Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. Water and fecal samples were taken times from 29th April to 29th September 2019. Two sites were selected other than the site (site 1-100 m ahead of the cave mouth, site 2-100 m inside from the cave mouth, site 3-100 m after the cave exit) inside the cave to compare the variations of releasing bat guano into the freshwater stream. Detection and enumeration of pathogenic bacteria Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp., fecal and total coliform bacteria and TVB in the samples were done following the standard protocols. Tukey comparison of one-way ANOVA with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in Minitab 17 software application package was used to distinguish any changes in the TVB count among the selected sites. The most intriguing finding was the contamination of both site 1 and 2 by Salmonella spp. Since bats are known to be potential reservoir and host for Salmonella spp. and the first Salmonella spp. occurrence in bats was recorded in the rectal swab of the fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaulti) in Sri Lanka, it was evident that the key contaminating source is bat guano. Clearly, as the results portray, dispensation of bat guano has elevated the degree of contamination of fecal coliforms in the water because higher amount of fecal coliform colonies were detected in site 2. There were no significant differences in the TVB counts among the sites. Nonetheless, significantly higher TVB counts were recorded from the fecal samples. This study proves the microbial contamination specifically Salmonella spp. by the release of bat guano into a freshwater body for the first time in Sri Lanka and the contamination of the water critically create environmental and health issues when the downstream water is used for agriculture drinking and other domestic consumption. Keywords: Bat guano, Salmonella spp., Fecal coliform bacteria, Total coliform bacteria

The decay of bat guano deposits in caves produces mineral accumulations, mainly phosphates and secondary sulfates. Chameau Cave, Eastern Morocco, is located in the semi-arid Bni Snassen Mountains. It is composed of semi-active and dry passages, and is featured by strong condensation-corrosion on the walls, presence of fluvial sediments, and old corroded flowstones. Due to forced and convective airflow, the cave is generally very dry, with some damp sites related to condensation. Samples collected on the surface of different passages and along two sediment profiles yielded minerals related to bat guano decay. On recent or fresh guano, precursor minerals correspond to sulfate (gypsum), phosphate-sulfate (ardealite) and phosphate (brushite). Phosphates (hydroxylapatite, fluorapatite) occur at the interface with host rock or carbonate speleothems. At the contact of phyllosilicates contained in allogenic fluvial deposits or shale partings, or with pyrite-rich sediments, various phosphates occur (Al-rich strengite, Fe-rich variscite, phosphosiderite, leucophosphite, spheniscidite, crandallite, minyulite, variscite, and strengite), the latter two minerals being the stable end-members. Black seams of oxyhydroxides (goethite, hematite, birnessite) line the contact between carbonate host rock and weathered fluvial deposits. After “digestion” by acidic guano leachates, fluvial deposits only display the most resistant minerals (quartz, muscovite, K-feldspars and Na-plagioclases) and weathering byproducts (kaolinite). We discuss the origin of a pure gypsum particle cone, possibly related to evaporation at the edge of a wet cupola and subsequent detachment of sulfate particles. Among environmental conditions, humidity is required for decay. In this dry cave, most of the damp originates from either permanent or seasonal condensation. Dust particle advection seems to be essential in providing compounds that are not present on fresh guano (quartz, clay minerals). Bat guano phosphatization has probably occurred since >100 ka. The Chameau Cave appears as an outstanding site for bat guano-related minerals (n = 12), including rare phosphates (spheniscidite and minyulite).

Escherichia coli, one of the primary intestinal commensal bacteria in humans and endothermic animals, is commonly considered an indicator of faecal pollution. E. coli strains were isolated from karst rivers under different hydrological conditions, from footpaths in tourist caves and from bat guano. Isolates were tested for phenotypic resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline and trimethoprim. The highest percentage of antimicrobial resistant E. coli was found in karst waters, followed by those from surface swabs and from bat guano. Several isolates from rivers and swabs exhibited multidrug-resistant phenotype. Environmental conditions impact the populations of E. coli; a positive correlation between dissolved oxygen and E. coli counts, and a negative correlation between conductivity and E. coli concentrations have been observed for karst rivers. Malenščica (Slovenia), a drinking water resource with an extensive catchment area, contained a relative high percentage of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli strains. None of the isolates from bat guano was resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline. Future monitoring of bats should consider a regular follow-up of indicative microbial disease indicators in fresh guano. Regular cleansing of tourist footpaths in caves and disinfection barriers at the cave entrances reduce the concentration and transmission of E. coli significantly. A future, more detailed, study on characterization of additional E. coli isolates is needed to reveal their pathogeneicity, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, mobile genetic elements, and gene transfer frequencies to other members of the karst microbiome.

Research Article| April 03, 2018 DETERMINING TAPHONOMIC CONTROLS AND RATES OF DECAY IN CAVE ENVIRONMENTS USING MICROCOSMS CAITLIN M. BOBLITT; CAITLIN M. BOBLITT University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar ROY E. PLOTNICK; ROY E. PLOTNICK University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar FABIEN KENIG; FABIEN KENIG University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar D'ARCY MEYER-DOMBARD D'ARCY MEYER-DOMBARD University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information CAITLIN M. BOBLITT University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA ROY E. PLOTNICK University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA FABIEN KENIG University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA D'ARCY MEYER-DOMBARD University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chicago, Illinois, 60607, USA email: cmboblitt@gmail.com Publisher: SEPM Society for Sedimentary Geology First Online: 03 Apr 2018 Online Issn: 1938-5323 Print Issn: 0883-1351 Copyright © 2018, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) PALAIOS (2018) 33 (4): 141–153. https://doi.org/10.2110/palo.2017.047 Article history First Online: 03 Apr 2018 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation CAITLIN M. BOBLITT, ROY E. PLOTNICK, FABIEN KENIG, D'ARCY MEYER-DOMBARD; DETERMINING TAPHONOMIC CONTROLS AND RATES OF DECAY IN CAVE ENVIRONMENTS USING MICROCOSMS. PALAIOS 2018;; 33 (4): 141–153. doi: https://doi.org/10.2110/palo.2017.047 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyPALAIOS Search Advanced Search Abstract Caves are important sites of fossil preservation, especially for Quaternary vertebrates. Taphonomic processes operating in caves are not well understood and have never been experimentally examined. This study focuses on the potential role of bat guano, which impacts environmental biogeochemistry and serves as the base of the food chain in cave ecosystems. The presence or absence of guano is expected to be a major control of preservation potential in caves. Bats first appear in the fossil record in the early Eocene so bat guano likely influenced cave preservation only during the Cenozoic. This is a probable megabias of the cave fossil record. Microcosm experiments were used to determine the impact of guano presence and composition, moisture, temperature, and time on preservation potential of small mammal bones, leaves, and crickets. Guano came from insectivorous and frugivorous bats. The guano of insectivorous bats has an acidic pH, while the guano of frugivorous bats is close to neutral. Lab studies were supplemented with field experiments at Crumps Cave, Kentucky. Leaves and crickets were better preserved in the guano of insectivorous bats, while bones showed recrystallization after burial. Leaves and crickets buried in the guano of frugivorous bats were quickly colonized by fungi and mostly destroyed, while only a few bones showed signs of fungus and degradation. Microcosms with a higher moisture content showed greater degradation, while time and temperature had less of an effect. Bones buried in both types of guano decayed much more rapidly than in sand. Bones buried in situ in cave sediments showed little degradation over three months. These results provide insight into the variable impact of environmental conditions on the taphonomy of Quaternary vertebrates and plants. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Cave ecosystems rely heavily on organic matter inputs from the outside to support their trophic networks and biodiversity. In the iron-ore caves of Carajás, southeastern Amazonia, bat guano is a major source of organic matter and integrates signals from the surrounding landscape. Nevertheless, our understanding of the relative contributions from other surface-derived organic matter sources, and how these organic material sources are transported into cave environments is limited. Through a combination of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, Bayesian mixing models, and compositional data analysis, the present study estimated for the first time, the contribution of different geoenvironmental units of ferruginous outcrops (canga) to cave deposits in four iron-ore caves of Carajás on a preliminary scale. The results indicate a consistent contribution of organic matter derived from poorly drained depressions, particularly swampy fields (median: 41.5-42.9%) and grasslands (median: 8.8-15.1%). These patterns suggest that water infiltration via fractures is an important pathway connecting the surface environment and underground systems, thereby contributing alongside the accumulation of bat guano. This study demonstrates the ecological importance of caves as integrative components of the surrounding landscape and further emphasizes the need to conserve both cave ecosystems and the surface ecosystems that support them by quantifying surface-subsurface connectivity.

Chemical weathering of archaeological material is well known; however, while there have been a number of experimental studies demonstrating different types and degrees of chemical alteration on faunal remains, little attention has been paid to stone tools, and the few studies that exist relate mainly to siliceous materials and water‐induced chemical alteration. Azokh Cave, located in the South Caucasus, contains a Middle Pleistocene to Holocene infill, and detailed macro‐ and microscopic examination of the lithic assemblages recovered there indicates potential chemical weathering of the stone artefacts. The cave is also currently home to one of the largest bat colonies in the region, and their guano forms a significant component of the infill of the inner galleries. Based on these two factors, an experimental pilot study was set up to artificially chemically alter a range of stone flakes produced specifically for the task, in order to determine the nature and likely cause of weathering. The experimental flakes, produced from different raw materials, were buried in fresh bat guano for up to two years. The results reported herein demonstrate that in a relatively short time, the highly acidic composition of bat guano strongly affects calcium‐bearing rocks (e.g., limestone, basalt) altering their entire surface. Similar comparisons may be made with chemical alteration evident on archaeological lithics from Azokh Cave, suggesting that bat guano has played a significant role in diagenetic alteration.

Meghalaya is well known for its rich tropical biodiversity and numerous natural caves. The Siju Cave of Meghalaya, also known as cave of the bat, is among the longest caves on the Indian subcontinent. The palynological study of fifty bat-guano samples from Siju Cave and of thirty surface soil and moss cushion from the area immediate surrounding the cave reflects the close similarity between the modern pollen and vegetation in the region in the two areas sampled. The resulting palynodata comprise mainly the native flora, dominated by riparian taxa like Duabanga, Syzygium, Careya, and Ficus, along with evergreen and deciduous elements in the region. The evergreen taxa Mesua, Elaeocarpus ,a ndGarcinia, along with Impatiens, reflect the high precipitation in the region. The climate of the region and the vegetation are strongly influenced by the Simsang River, and the heavy rainfall results in the dominance of riparian taxa and other high-rainfall indicator taxa. The occurrence of pollen from Nepenthes khasiana ,a n endemic and endangered plant of Meghalaya, in bat guano is significant and may be due to its insectivorous and entomophilous nature. However, medicinal plants like Swertia chirata, Cinchona, and Rauvolfia are not encountered in the bat-guano sediments, despite their luxuriant growth around the cave, and these species could be avoided by the insects due to their alkaloid contain and bitter taste. The presence of highland taxa such as Pinus, Abies, Picea, and Larix in the bat guano deposit is significant and suggestive of high winds from higher altitudes, or the pollen may be introduced by the return of migratory Siberian birds during winter to the nearby Siju wildlife and bird sanctuary. The recovery of cerealia along with Areca catechu and Citrus pollen indicate the human activity in the region. The abundance of fungal remains, namely Meliola, Glomus, and Microthyriaceae along with degraded palynomorphs are suggestive of strong microbial activity under warm and humid conditions during sedimentation in the region. The main objective of this study is to identify the potential of bat guano for palaeoecological research and as supportive data for surface and sedimentary soil profiles in the South Garo Hills of Meghalaya. The palynodata from the bat guano of the Siju Cave provides a useful source for palaeoecological information for the South Garo Hills, where intensive natural and human-caused forest fires, heavy rainfall, and soil erosion occur every year and there is a relative scarcity of the lake, wetland, and swamp habitats that normally preserve pollen.

Bats provide numerous ecosystem services as they pollinate, disperse seeds, and reduce insect populations. It is thus vital to monitor and understand their foraging habits. We analyzed sterols and stanols in a rare discovery of a ∼4,300‐year‐old bat guano deposit from a Jamaican cave to infer relative changes in bat feeding guilds over four millennia. In this deposit, zoosterols and phytosterols, in conjunction with δ13C and C/N data, revealed two periods of increased frugivory relative to insectivory from ca. 1000‐500 BCE and ca. 700–1900 CE. We propose two possible explanations for these intervals of increased frugivory relative to insectivory. (1) Previous paleoclimate data suggested these intervals were warmer and drier in the region, which we hypothesize resulted in reduced insect availability. We supported these inferences by comparing the same analytes in fresh guano from frugivorous, insectivorous, and sanguinivorous (blood‐drinking) bats, which showed that bats with animal‐based diets produced guano with lower C/N ratios and higher cholesterol/(cholesterol + sitosterol) ratios than those with fruit‐based diets. (2) The change in the chemical composition of the bat guano during these two periods may also be the result of a shift in the relative species composition of the bat roost that is a greater proportion of frugivorous relative to insectivorous bats during these two periods. This novel, non‐invasive method, based on the chemical composition of bat guano, tracked changes in tropical bat foraging habits extending back in time over four millennia.

Conventional farming relies on the heavy application of synthetic agrochemicals, especially fertilizers. Thus, the search for an alternative sustainable source of safe agricultural inputs is imperative. Bat guano is an organic material that improves plant growth due to its rich chemical content and associated beneficial microorganisms. However, farmers still have a negative perception towards its utilization due to its associated microbiological hazards and limited supply. This study was conducted to determine the bacterial composition of guano produced by Scotophilus kuhlii to elucidate the potential benefits and hazards it poses when utilized as a soil amendment. The bacterial composition of a 24-h-old guano was investigated by sequencing the amplified 16S rRNA gene under Illumina MiSeq 250 PE system. A total of 78,670 valid DNA reads were obtained and clustered to 196 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Eight bacterial phyla were identified dominated by Proteobacteria (40.52%), Bacteroidetes (21.43%), Actinobacteria (21.15%), and Firmicutes (16.58%). Under these phyla, 85 genera were identified dominated by Acinetobacter (32.16%), Sphingobacterium (12.94%), and Glutamicibacter (12.25%). Among all generated OTUs, 39 species were identified dominated by Dietzia cinnamea (19.91%), Spingobacterium multivorum (14.65%), Acinetobacter variabilis (14.57%), and Enterococcus faecalis (13.51%). The study revealed that guano of S. kuhlii harbors a diverse bacterial community, which could be a determinant of its usability as an organic soil amendment. Despite the presence of plant- growth promoters and biodegraders of hazardous environmental contaminants, the abundance of Proteobacteria indicates a high number of pathogenic species in the fresh guano. The results suggest the importance of crafting safety guidelines and protocols for guano processing that apply to small-scale farming to maximize the agricultural benefits of guano while reducing the risks imposed by its associated pathogenic bacteria.

South Gombong Karst region is an area that has scientific and economic value, especially important for support ecosystem and the living human. South Gombong Karst area have been classified into three zone conservations; zone I, II and III. This area is used for tourism, farming-irrigation, mining, forestry, and water supplay. South Gombong Karst area has a wide variety mineral resources potential, there are limestone, phosphate guano, andesite, bentonite, trass, kaolinite, mangaan, oil shale, and gold. There are 555,98 Ha of excellent quality limestones, 60 persen of these area is a part of karst zone I, 30 persen karst zone II and last 10 persen karst zone III. Guano phosphate-rich beds are associated with limestone caves, the igneous rock of andesite in the form of intrusive sill, dyke and a lava flow, member of Gabon Formation. Both guano phosphate and andesite have good quality. Ca-Mg bentonite and trass can be used for pozzolan cement. Kaolinite useless for ceramics and fillers because was composed by higher content of Fe2O3. Manganees deposit found at both breccia of Gabon Formation and limestone of Kalipucang Formation. The total population of the South Gombong Karst area is estimated 182.167 people, with 59.9 persen as farmer, 11.22 persen trader, 4.6 persen miner, and 24.25 persen the other sector profession. Small mining of mineral resources at the South Gombong Karst area are mainly illegal mining activity by local community. Most of the limestone mining activities were done at karst zone II, large scale mining of andesite were done at Mangunweni, guano phosphate were mined at Sriwulung Cave and Banteng Cave, Mangaan were actively mined at Bleber, a part of karst zone II, gold mining activity were done at Jladri river with manual mining and tunneling by following the vein orientation. Mining activities have to be stopped at South Gombong Karst zone I, important be made mining area map, veterinarian, deligence based on rocks and geo-tourism in harmony with the purpose of conservation. Keywords : South Gombong Karst region, mining potential, mining activity, regulation Proceeding of International Conference and Field Seminar, Asian Trans-Disciplinary Karst Conference; Yogyakarta, March 2011;Polydoor & Faculty of Geography UGM; p :7 – 16

Mites are among the most abundant invertebrates in subsurface ecosystems, and their community assemblages and distributions are often significantly influenced by the diversity of habitat resources. The cave ecosystem encompasses drastic changes in nonbiological factors, such as changes in lighting conditions from bright to extraordinarily dark and habitat gradients of surface plant resources from abundant to scarce or even disappearing, providing an ideal unique environment for evaluating the assembly mechanism of soil animal communities. Nevertheless, there still needs to be a sufficient understanding of the biodiversity patterns and drivers of mite communities across environmental gradients in karst caves. We conducted a comprehensive survey on the composition and diversity of soil mites in three photometric zones (dark, twilight, and light) of a typical karst cave and its adjoining extractive environments (forest scrub and farmland). Our research aimed to investigate the ecological relationships of mite communities between above- and below-ground habitats and the effects of abiotic factors on mite communities. We collected 49 families, 86 genera, and 1284 mites. In the external cave environment, we captured 1052 mites from 72 genera and 45 families; in the internal cave environment, we captured 232 mites from 46 genera and 29 families. The abundance, richness of genera, and diversity parameters of the mite community decreased from the cave entrance to the cave interior with decreasing light intensity. Oribatid mites dominated the mite community. Protoribates and Scheloribates were the dominant genera, along with Tectocepheus and 11 other genera, which primarily distinguished the mite communities among different habitats. Forty endemic taxa were found in the external cave environment, compared to 14 endemic taxa in the internal cave environment. The mite community showed a strong preference for the cave ecosystem habitat. Temperature, humidity, and soil nitrogen content significantly influenced the distribution pattern of mite communities (VIP > 0.8, p < 0.05).

Lava tube cave ecosystems on the volcanic islands of Hawai‘i support communities of rare and highly specialized cave arthropods. In these cave ecosystems, plant roots, both living and dead, provide the main energy source for cave animals. Loss of deep-rooted plants over caves will affect populations of cave-adapted animals living below. Furthermore, the loss of native plant species will likely eliminate host specific cave animals. Thus, identification of plant roots currently found in caves is necessary for the development of effective management actions that encourage the growth of appropriate deep-rooted plant species, thereby protecting the underlying cave ecosystem. We used molecular techniques to identify plant roots found within cave ecosystems on the islands of Maui and Hawai‘i. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the 5.8S gene of nuclear ribosomal DNA from cave roots were compared to sequences of known plant species either collected on the surface over the footprint of each cave or to sequences accessioned in GenBank. Roots in the cave ecosystem studied on Maui belonged to two alien tree species: Eucalyptus tereticornis and Grevillea robusta. Within the Hawai‘i cave ecosystem, roots of two plant species were identified: the alien tree G. robusta and the native vine Cocculus orbiculatus. The Maui cave ecosystem supports populations of at least 28 species of arthropods, including eight that are blind obligate cave inhabitants. The Hawai‘i cave ecosystem supports 18 arthropod species, of which three are cave-adapted. Creating protected reserves around biologically significant caves, controlling, and preventing the introduction of harmful invasive plant species within the cave footprint, and encouraging the establishment of deep-rooted native plant species is essential for the continued survival of the unique ecosystems found within Hawaiian lava tube cave systems.

First cavernicolous record of the holoparasitic Balanophora abbreviata Blume (Balanophoraceae), from Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines