The vertebrate fauna of the Kyztash Cave (Karabudakhkentskaya / Zhivoy) in the Republic of Dagestan, Russia

Abstract

Aim. To establish the role of the Karabudakhkentskaya Cave in the conservation of vertebrate biodiversity in the foothills part of the east of the North Caucasus.Materials and Methods. The study of literature data. Monthly inspection of the cave for the presence of vertebrates, to establish their species and to determine the reasons for their presence in the cave. Analysis of photo and video materials obtained from camera traps installed inside the cave. Results. During the analysis of the literature and our own research, it was found that the presence of 8 vertebrate species belonging to 2 classes, 3 orders and 5 families is repeatedly registered in the Karabudakhkent Cave. Of these, 5 species are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Dagestan. For the horseshoe‐bearing Megel, the cave serves as the main wintering place in the North Caucasus. In addition, during the summer period, one of the largest brood colonies of the Sharp‐eared Moth in Russia is located in the cave.Conclusion. The complex of works carried out made it possible to supplement and obtain new information indicating the key role of the Karabudakhkenstkoi Cave in the vital activity of rare vertebrate species. At the same time, there is an increasing anthropogenic impact caused by an increase in the flow of tourists to the Republic of Dagestan. These circumstances indicate the need to give the Karabudakhkentskaya Cave the status of a Natural Monument of Federal Significance.