engleski

Dinaric type localities of cave dwelling fauna: research and conservation

The Dinaric Karst is the world’s hotspot of cave fauna biodiversity with a large number of cave dwelling species. So far, around 1200 taxa have been described from numerous caves scattered all over Dinaric Karst. In order to prepare a platform for conservation of this heritage in Croatia, the Croatian Biospeleological Society (CBSS) launched a long term project in 2000. First aim was to collect the data on Croatian type localities of cave fauna. Several reasons pointed to the need for urgent action regarding type localities. Some of the type localities are becoming impossible to find due to the rapid decrease in number of local inhabitants who know cave names and their exact positions. Furthermore, a certain number of type localities faced complete devastation or are in danger due to the high pressure of economic development and ignorance and negligence of relevant governmental bodies. Also, the number of type localities is increasing as new taxa are being frequently discovered. As a result of the CBSS project the "Catalogue of cave type localities of Croatian fauna" was published in 2006. It initiated the cave type localities protection on the state level. In 2010 "The cave type localities atlas of Croatian fauna, Volume 1" was published which presents 102 type localities and 133 taxa in a popular and illustrative way suitable for education of wider community about the values of underground world. During 2011 the entire Dinaric area became included in the project by launching the open access database Biospeologica Dinarica (www.biospeologica- dinarica.org) and establishment of Scientific and Expert Network consisting of members from all countries of Dinaric Karst. The database will serve as a portal for all Dinaric Karst cave species and their type localities. It will include species and cave images, references, regional and global species conservation status, cave maps, endangerment assessments etc. In 2012, data for 300 caves and 650 taxa will be included in the database. General long term goal is to generate a complete checklist of the species and type localities of Dinaric cave fauna. Another important aim of Scientific and Expert Network establishment is to initiate and intensify cooperation and collaboration on cave fauna research in the region and facilitate taxonomic research of many invertebrate groups.

Dinaric karst ; type locality ; cave dwelling fauna

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