Cave invertebrates in Espírito Santo state, Brazil: a primary analysis of endemism, threats and conservation priorities

By

Souza-Silva, Marconi
Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

16

Pages

79-102

Subjects

Atlantic forest , Biodiversity , cave protection , Subterranean habitats , troglobiont species

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.16.5227

 

Abstract

The cave-dwelling invertebrates were studied according to their composition, biodiversity, distribution and threats in the Atlantic Forest Central Biodiversity Corridor, a priority area for conservation actions in Brazil. Twelve obligate cave species were found, plus 495 troglophile species. Araneae (103 spp.), Coleoptera (61 spp.), Diptera (56 spp.) and Lepidoptera (38 spp.) were the richest taxa. The richness was higher in the carbonate caves (63 spp., sd = 16.7) and the highest diversity in granitic caves (H´= 2.68, sd = 0.5). The spatial turnover was 63.45 and similarity less than 30%. The total richness was correlated with the linear extension of the caves (Rs = 0.757, p ≤ 0.05). Surrounding area deforestation and religious and tourist use were the main threats. Emergency attention is recommended regarding protective actions, management and conservation of caves of extremely high biological importance.