The Wynberg Cave System, the most important site for cave fauna in South Africa at risk

By

Ferreira, Rodrigo Lopes
Giribet, Gonzalo
du Perez, Gerhard
Ventouras, Oresti
Janion, Charlene
Souza-Silva, Marconi

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

36

Pages

73--81

Subjects

cave protection , Invertebrates conservation , subterranean biodiversity

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.36.60162

 

Abstract

The Wynberg Cave System, located on the Cape Peninsula, represents one of the most significant sites of cave fauna in southern Africa. However, the continuous increase in cave visitation is severely impacting the system as evidenced by graffiti, the trampling and destruction of cave habitats and even a reduction in the sizes of bat colonies. In October 2019, the Wynberg Cave System was visited by a group of scientist, who discovered unregistered troglomorphic species. This, subsequently increased the number of troglobites occurring in the system to 19, which likely means that this system has the potential to become the first hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in Africa. Protecting the Wynberg Cave System is therefore of great importance. Here, we propose short and long-term strategies that include educating local communities on the importance of conserving caves and installing gated entrances.