Cave & Karst Science (ISSN 1356-191X)

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Contents of Cave & Karst Science 35(1)

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Cave and Karst Science (iv + 72pp) (PDF 6.1MB)        Individual articles may be available below

GUNN, John and David LOWE (eds.). (2008). Cave and Karst Science 35(1). Buxton: British Cave Research Association. ISSN 1356-191X. iv + 72pp, A4, with photos, maps and diagrams.
This issue has a cover date of 2008 (April) and was published in June 2009.

This was published as a double issue, as 35(1 & 2)

Corrections (pp9-58) (PDF 623KB)     

(pages 9, 15, 17, 18, 25, 33, 45, 56 and 58). The original printed edition of some of the papers in this issue suffered from formatting errors caused by a software incompatibility on the final printing machine. Nine pages were affected, spread over five papers. If you wish to download a PDF containing just the wrongly-printed pages, please click on the link above. The corrected lines are highlighted in yellow. In addition, an error on page 55 resulted in the first para. in column 2 being left-justified. This correction is not included in the list above.

 

Front cover photo (page i) (PDF 180KB)     

by Klaus BOGON and Barry O'HAGAN.
Relatively large and relatively small subterranean animals: the upper-left image (by Klaus Bogon) shows a greater mouseeared bat in flight [see Paper by Reiss et al. in this Issue], whereas the lower-right image is a Quanta SM scan (by Barry O'Hagan) of the aquatic amphipod Niphargus kochianus irlandicus [see Paper by Arnscheidt et al.

 

Notes for Contributors (page ii) (PDF 103KB)     

 

Contents (p1) (PDF 113KB)     

 

Editorial (pp3-4) (PDF 68KB)     

by Paul WOOD, Graham PROUDLOVE, Lee KNIGHT and Rachel STUBBINGTON.

 

Superficial subterranean habitats – gateway to the subterranean realm (pp5-12) (PDF 577KB)     

by David C CULVER and Tanja PIPAN.
Superficial subterranean habitats (SSHs) include small drainages that emerge as seeps (hypotelminorheic), small cavities in the uppermost part of karstified rock (epikarst), talus slopes (milieu souterrain superficiel), and cracks and shallow tubes in lava. They share only two important features with better known subterranean habitats, especially caves – they are aphotic environments and they harbour a fauna modified for subterranean life, including species that are eyeless and without pigment. The occupants and environmental characteristics of these habitats are reviewed. The presence of troglomorphic species in SSHs suggests that the absence of light is the primary selective factor in the evolution of the distinctive morphology of cave animals, and that species in SSHs might have given rise to species in deeper subterranean habitats such as caves.
Note: The original printed edition of this paper suffered a formatting problem. See 'corrections' above.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 03 September 08; Accepted 09 December 08.

Bibliograph: CULVER, David C and Tanja PIPAN. (2008). Superficial subterranean habitats – gateway to the subterranean realm. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp5-12.

 

The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Niphargus glenniei (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae): the first British troglobite to be listed (pp13-18) (PDF 324KB)     

by Lee R F D KNIGHT.
The cave shrimp Niphargus glenniei (Spooner, 1952) has recently been placed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) list of priority species. This represents the first aquatic hypogean taxon to be given conservation status/recognition in the UK. This paper outlines the selection procedure and the conservation actions required for the species in the future.
Note: The original printed edition of this paper suffered a formatting problem. See 'corrections' above.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 18 October 08; Accepted 27 November 08.

Bibliograph: KNIGHT, Lee R F D. (2008). The Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for Niphargus glenniei (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae): the first British troglobite to be listed. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp13-18.

 

Balancing the conservation needs of sulphidic caves and karst with tourism, economic development, and scientific study (pp19-24) (PDF 535KB)     

by Megan L PORTER and Annette Summers ENGEL.
Over the last fifteen years, sulphidic karst has received increasing recognition as unique systems where new discoveries of both biological and geological features have captured the imagination of the public media and the academic community. The unique resources found within both active and relict sulphidic karst systems are globally important to karst conservation issues. In this paper we describe some of the unique geological and biological features of sulphidic caves and karst and present strategies for the conservation and protection of this exceptional habitat.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 04 December 08; Accepted 14 February 09.
Keywords: conservation, sulphidic ecosystems, microbial communities, biodiversity, subterranean hotspots, sulphuric acid speleogenesis.

Bibliograph: PORTER, Megan L and Annette Summers ENGEL. (2008). Balancing the conservation needs of sulphidic caves and karst with tourism, economic development, and scientific study. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp19-24.

 

The Biospeleological Register of the Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research (Germany) (pp25-34) (PDF 1.7MB)     

by Martin REISS, Helmut STEINER and Stefan ZAENKER.
The Biospeleological Register maintained by the Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research is an important data archive for flora, fauna and data relating to the environmental characteristics of subterranean habitats in the State of Hesse, Germany. The information contained within the database represents a valuable tool for the wider education of the general public regarding subterranean ecosystems and for conservation purposes. In addition to caves, artificial cavities, mining tunnels and springs are also included on the database, since they represent important points of access to hypogean habitats. To date, a total of 4,885 subterranean objects (i.e. caves, artificial cavities and springs) have been surveyed and documented. These surveys comprise 84,208 records of fauna, representing 2,611 different taxa. These include species previously recorded, new to the state, new to the country and/or species new to science. The data are stored in a relational database and can be exported as a HTML-based textbook on DVD-ROM for interested individuals and institutions. Systematic surveys, and standard methods for the collection and management of data guarantee the quality of the information included. The same methods are used for scientific research commissioned by administrative decision-makers and governmental authorities in Hesse. A total of 374 subterranean objects of high conservation value have been reported to the European Network of Special Areas of Conservation (NATURA 2000) based on this information. Thus, the Biospeleological Register maintained by the Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research represents an essential baseline dataset for the future conservation of subterranean habitats.
Note: The original printed edition of this paper suffered a formatting problem. See 'corrections' above.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 24 September 08; Accepted 01 December 08.

Bibliograph: REISS, Martin; Helmut STEINER and Stefan ZAENKER. (2008). The Biospeleological Register of the Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research (Germany). Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp25-34.

 

Molecular studies on the Niphargus kochianus group (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) in Great Britain and Ireland (pp35-40) (PDF 414KB)     

by Bernd HANFLING, Isabel DOUTERELO-SOLER, Lee KNIGHT and Graham PROUDLOVE.
The Niphargus kochianus group is one of the most westerly and northerly components of the genus Niphargus. All taxa within the group were delimited by morphological characters. However, recent research suggests that morphology alone is inadequate in determining species boundaries in troglobiotic organisms. We used two molecular markers to examine nucleotide diversity in two members of the N. kochianus group, and included other taxa from Genbank. The results indicate that N. kochianus kochianus and N. kochianus irlandicus are very divergent taxa, which have had no common ancestor since the Miocene. Since it is very difficult to reconcile this magnitude of divergence with a recent derivation of irlandicus from kochianus, and there has been a sea water barrier between Great Britain and Ireland for a long period we propose that irlandicus has been resident in Ireland throughout the Pleistocene glacial cycles. Survival in sub-glacial refugia is supported by the presence of species below ice in Iceland and Canada, by the favourable biotic and abiotic conditions under glaciers, and by the physiology of species in the genus. The taxon irlandicus should therefore be considered a separate species Niphargus irlandicus Schellenberg, 1932.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 02 March 09; Accepted 30 March 09.
Keywords: Niphargus kochianus group, molecular studies, subglacial refugia, Pleistocene glacial cycles, DNA taxonomy.

Bibliograph: HANFLING, Bernd; Isabel DOUTERELO-SOLER, Lee KNIGHT and Graham PROUDLOVE. (2008). Molecular studies on the Niphargus kochianus group (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) in Great Britain and Ireland. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp35-40.

 

New records for Cirolanides texensis Benedict, 1896 (Isopoda: Cirolanidae), including possible extirpations at impacted Texas caves (pp41-46) (PDF 346KB)     

by Jean K KREJCA.
Examination of published literature and available records for the aquifer adapted isopod Cirolanides texensis indicates it is known from only 36 localities. Sampling over the last decade has increased the known range to 57 sites. The author counted individuals at 30 sites and recorded an average of 10.6 individuals (range 0–69) per site. For 13 sites where search effort was recorded, an average of 1.3 visits was required to locate the species and the average number of isopods found per person minute of searching was 0.68±0.28.
The species was not recorded at three cave sites historically known to contain C. texensis despite an average or above average search effort. These sites have also experienced the greatest human impact, suggesting that the species might have been extirpated. The human activities include the commercialization of a cave, modification of the flood regime, and in two cases those activities led to extirpation of a bat colony. At one site C. texensis persisted after extirpation of a bat colony, indicating that the energy regime for this species is not strictly dependent on bats, however the elevated resource availability might increase the potential for detection. In the future, resource managers should consider anthropogenic activities that might impact caves activities and cause extirpation of Cirolanides texensis isopods, and other hypogean species.
Note: The original printed edition of this paper suffered a formatting problem. See 'corrections' above.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 20 December 08; Accepted 23 March 09.

Bibliograph: KREJCA, Jean K. (2008). New records for Cirolanides texensis Benedict, 1896 (Isopoda: Cirolanidae), including possible extirpations at impacted Texas caves. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp41-46.

 

Estimating diversity and ecological status of cave invertebrates: some lessons and recommendations from Dark Cave (Batu Caves, Malaysia) (pp47-52) (PDF 711KB)     

by Max MOSELEY.
Although Dark Cave (Batu Caves, Selangor) is biologically the most intensively studied cave in the Malay Peninsula, ecological investigations are in their infancy and knowledge of species diversity is incomplete or sometimes inaccurate. A large volume of additional information will be required to inform effective conservation and management plans for this biospeleologically important site. The present paper presents a review of recent investigations of Collembola (springtails), Diplopoda (millipedes), and a general invertebrate survey. Attention is drawn to lessons that can be learnt from these studies.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 01 October 08; Accepted 27 November 08.

Bibliograph: MOSELEY, Max. (2008). Estimating diversity and ecological status of cave invertebrates: some lessons and recommendations from Dark Cave (Batu Caves, Malaysia). Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp47-52.

 

Aquatic subterranean Crustacea in Ireland: results and new records from a pilot study (pp53-58) (PDF 402KB)     

by Jörg ARNSCHEIDT, Hans Jürgen HAHN and Andreas FUCHS.
A total of 106 sites were sampled for subterranean aquatic Crustacea, basic water chemistry parameters and sediment characteristics as part of a pilot study for an all-Ireland survey of hypogean biodiversity. Samples were collected between November 2005 and August 2006. Sites were selected with a view to cover most of Ireland's geographical regions, geological formations and aquifer types. Sampling sites comprised 55 monitoring boreholes, 43 wells (excavated / dug from the surface historically), 5 springs and 3 wells with current groundwater abstraction for drinking water. Aquatic Crustacea were retrieved from 57% of all sites and included the first records of the following taxa for Ireland: Cavernocypris subterraneana, Fabaeformiscandona breuili and Fabaeformiscandona wegelini (Ostracoda), Speocyclops cf demetiensis (Cyclopoida) and Microniphargus leruthi (Amphipoda). These records suggest that the biodiversity of Ireland's freshwater fauna might have been significantly underestimated due to a historical lack of biological research on subterranean ecosystems. The results raise important questions regarding the biogeography of Ireland and the potential survival of subterranean fauna during periods of glaciation within hypogean refugia.
Note: The original printed edition of this paper suffered a formatting problem. See 'corrections' above.
Classification: Paper.
Date: Received 26 March 09; Accepted 15 April 09.

Bibliograph: ARNSCHEIDT, Jörg; Hans Jürgen HAHN and Andreas FUCHS. (2008). Aquatic subterranean Crustacea in Ireland: results and new records from a pilot study. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp53-58.

 

Occurrence of Antrobathynella stammeri (Jakobi, 1954) (Crustacea: Syncarida: Bathynellidae) in the hyporheic zones of two English karst rivers (pp59-62) (PDF 316KB)     

by Rachel STUBBINGTON, Mark P DUNSCOMBE and Terence GLEDHILL.
This paper reports the first records of Antrobathynella stammeri in the British Isles since 1985. Numerous individuals were observed in hyporheic water extracted from the River Skirfare (Yorkshire, UK), whilst, in an independent study, a single confirmed specimen was recorded from hyporheic water pumped from the River Lathkill (Derbyshire, UK). The latter observation is the first record of the superorder Syncarida in the Peak District and provides an important geographical link between previously recorded individuals in Scotland and north-west England and records from the south of England. These records suggest that bathynellids might be more abundant in the UK than previously thought, highlighting the need for more effective sampling of subterranean habitats to determine the conservation status of such rarely seen species.
Classification: Report.
Date: Received 07 November 08; Accepted 24 November 08.

Bibliograph: STUBBINGTON, Rachel; Mark P DUNSCOMBE and Terence GLEDHILL. (2008). Occurrence of Antrobathynella stammeri (Jakobi, 1954) (Crustacea: Syncarida: Bathynellidae) in the hyporheic zones of two English karst rivers. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp59-62.

 

A survey of the groundwater fauna of the Scilly Isles, United Kingdom (pp63-68) (PDF 861KB)     

by Lee R F D KNIGHT.
This report details the results of a survey of wells and springs on the Isles of Scilly. The survey was conducted in order to ascertain if Niphargus glenniei and other stygobitic species might be present in the fractured granite aquifers of the archipelago. A variety of epigean freshwater taxa were recorded but no stygobitic species were found. White specimens (possibly stygophilic) of the cyclopid copepod Diacyclops bisetosus were recorded from two covered well shafts on the island of St Agnes.
Classification: Report.
Date: Received 04 November 08; Accepted 28 November 08.

Bibliograph: KNIGHT, Lee R F D. (2008). A survey of the groundwater fauna of the Scilly Isles, United Kingdom. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp63-68.

 

Cave fauna of southeast Asia (pp69-72) (PDF 837KB)     

by Liz PRICE.
Many caves in tropical southeast Asia support a variety of cave fauna, ranging from small invertebrates through to small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and bats. Many cave faunal communities are dependent on bats that import large volumes of organic matter (guano) into the subterranean environment. Guano is the primary food resource for many cave inhabitants, and forms the basis of the cave food web. Humans frequently harvest guano and cave swiftlet nests from tropical caves in the region but these activities may degrade the wider ecosystem.
Classification: Report.
Date: Received 23 March 09; Accepted 7 April 09.
Keywords: cave fauna, southeast Asia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, fauna, invertebrates, bats, swiftlets.

Bibliograph: PRICE, Liz. (2008). Cave fauna of southeast Asia. Cave and Karst Science 35(1), pp69-72.

 

Research Fund and Grants (page iii) (PDF 96KB)     

 

Back cover photos (page iv) (PDF 335KB)     

A montage of images from articles within this issue. [a] the spider Meta menardi (photo by Klaus Bogon); [b] a cave cricket (Orthoptera) (photo by Liz Price); [c] Niphargus glenniei (photo courtesy of Chris Proctor); [d] a geometrid moth (Triphosa dubitata) (photo by Helmut Steiner); [e] the millipede Orthomorpha fluminoris (photo by Max Moseley); [f] two isopods (Cirolanides texensis) feeding on a dead cricket (Ceuthophilus cunicularis) (photo by Jean Krejca).