Reviewing Studies of Caves and Subterranean Biodiversity
A status review of studies from the cave and karst classification and mapping research project examined an array of research regarding cave environments, cave/karst biodiversity, and previous techniques for mapping and modeling such ecosystems.
Photo by USFWS.
The review focused on national cave fauna data, regional and local cave fauna distributions, a summary of major taxonomy, evaluation of previous mapping of biodiversity in the region and the techniques employed, and models for explaining subterranean biodiversity patterns both in the Appalachians and elsewhere. This critical review of earlier and existing efforts will allow researchers to propose the most appropriate classification system for these habitats within Appalachia in order to map both the physical and biological resources of cave/karst systems to be incorporated into landscape conservation planning for the region.
