engleski

Subterranean fauna of twelve Istrian caves

The subterranean fauna of twelve Istrian caves, six in Slovenia and six in Croatia, is presented in this paper. Caves in the carbonate region of White Istria (Cicarija) host the richest troglobiotic fauna in comparison to caves in the carbonate littoral region of Red Istria and the intermediate fl ysh region of Grey Istria. Caves in the contact zone of limestone and fl ysch situated in Grey Istria are inhabited by a surprisingly high number of troglobiotic taxa as well. Some subterranean taxa were found relatively far from their known distributional areas. In addition, several new taxa have been discovered for science. We briefl y describe the general ecological conditions within the caves and estimate potential threats to their faunas. Istrian caves are inhabited by numerous endemic troglobiotic species, in this respect ranking this region close to the most diverse Dinaric region.

subterranean fauna, troglobionts, cave conservation, Istria

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