engleski

Elevational diversity and endemism of cave diplopods: examples from Dinaric Karst

Dinaric Karst, situated in western part of Southeast Europe, is the world hotspot of subterranean biodiversity, with high number of cave-adapted species, abundant populations, and several distinct faunal elements, such as the only known cave sponge, cnidarian, bivalve, polychaete and flying troglobiont insect. Subterranean biodiversity is not equality distributed in Dinarides. Two centers of endemism and high diversity are detected: the north-west part and the south-east part of this mountain range are known as “hotspots within hotspots” of subterranean fauna. Diplopod fauna is also specific, with numerous endemic species and genera. Some of these peculiar taxa are restricted to higher elevations. Here we present data for two Dinaric mountains, Velebit and Biokovo, both of them showing similar diplopod elevation pattern. Caves and pits situated in mountain foothills harbour in most cases common or widespread troglophile diplopods, while on higher elevation specific troglobitic fauna occurred. Elevated plateau on mountain Biokovo (above 1300 m) is the outstanding local hotspot of subterranean diplopod diversity, represented by Balkanodesmus biokovensis Antić & Reip, 2014 and Biokoviella mauriesi Mršić, 1992, both genera being endemic to Dinarides. Southeast part of Velebit is represented by Velebitodesmus cavernicolus Antić & Reip, 2014, Brachydesmus likanus Strasser, 1962 and still undescribed troglobiont species from family Glomeridae. These findings imply that elevation is also important factor in shaping subterranean diversity and endemism. Future research of high elevation caves and pits systems will surly reveal new faunistic elements of diplopods and subterranean fauna in general.

subretatean biology, Diplopoda, biodiversity

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