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List of troglomorphic/troglobitic species recorded in the sampled caves in the Brazilian Savan- nah, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in the years 2000, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Un: unidentified.
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The stability of temperature and humidity in caves is well known. However, little is known if higher or lower cave environmental stability (temperature, humidity, light and others) implies changes in the structure of the biological communities. Number, position and size of entrances, then size, depth, host rock and extent of the cave, the amount an...
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Context 1
... caves, water bodies (WB) (CS: cave streams, P: puddles, SF: dry caves subject to seasonal flooding, D: dry), width of entrances (WE), sampled linear development (LD), total number of species (S), number of troglomorphic species/troglobitic (TS) in the studied area. Table 3). The caves with the highest richness of troglobitic species were the Lagoa Rica and Lapa Nova caves, with six species each one. ...
Citations
... It is essential to highlight that subterranean environments operate as ecosystems, providing refuge for a diverse array of invertebrate and vertebrate species, many of which play vital roles in delivering environmental services to both subterranean and epigean ecosystems (Kunz et al. 2011). Numerous studies seek to unravel the primary biotic and abiotic factors that significantly influence the species richness and composition of cave invertebrates (Christman & Culver 2001, Simões et al. 2015, Lunghi et al. 2017, Pacheco et al. 2020, Souza-Silva et al. 2021. However, our understanding of the invertebrate fauna in the epigean environments adjacent to caves and its relationship with cave invertebrates remains limited (Oliveira & Ferreira 2024). ...
... This variation in organic resources and microhabitats leads to more differentiated faunal compositions among caves in the same region, in contrast to the epigean invertebrate communities primarily associated with the surrounding vegetation and having high turnover (Kitching et al. 2020). Likewise, Simões et al. (2015) found dissimilar invertebrate fauna among caves, albeit in a broader sampling scale. Research in tropical regions has shown that environmental factors like rock type, water presence, cave size, number and size of entrances, distance between caves, and habitat availability can influence the diversity and composition of invertebrate communities in caves , Simões et al. 2015, Bento et al. 2016. ...
... Likewise, Simões et al. (2015) found dissimilar invertebrate fauna among caves, albeit in a broader sampling scale. Research in tropical regions has shown that environmental factors like rock type, water presence, cave size, number and size of entrances, distance between caves, and habitat availability can influence the diversity and composition of invertebrate communities in caves , Simões et al. 2015, Bento et al. 2016. Therefore, this intricate interplay between community similarities underscores the need for larger-scale studies, as some invertebrate community properties only emerge at larger scales and are often masked at restricted analysis scales, as observed in this study (Moseley 2009, Mammola 2019, Reis-Venâncio et al. 2022. ...
The connectivity between epigean and cave habitats is crucial for maintaining invertebrate communities once it can facilitate faunal movement, organic resource supply, and environmental stability. The study aimed to investigate how some spatial and temporal variations in environmental factors within caves and epigean habitats influence invertebrate species richness and composition. We found a notable difference in invertebrate species richness and composition between cave and epigean environments and between cave lithologies. Moisture and temperature significantly influenced species composition across lithologies and epigean and hypogean environments. Cave microclimatic emerged as a critical factor influencing cave fauna. The dissimilarities between epigean and cave environments underscore the selective pressures imposed by caves, challenging species to overcome such environmental filters. Despite epigean environments offering more significant variability in conditions and resources, the findings highlight the importance of local ecological context and specific situations in shaping invertebrate communities. Furthermore, spatial variability within caves emphasises the necessity for a nuanced approach to conservation, considering the heterogeneity of habitats within each cave system. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between caves and their surrounding areas, emphasising the need for tailored conservation strategies that account for regional and cave-specific factors in the context of global environmental changes.
... Although no significant relationship was found for δ 15 N, the trend suggests that caves with shallower depths and shorter distances from the basin entrance may support more complex trophic networks. Habitats close to the entrance of caves, where access to resources is easier, typically have higher biodiversity (Simões et al. 2015). Larger caves have greater zonation and may also exhibit high diversity, with different organisms highly specialized for troglobitic life inhabiting each zone (Ferreira 2000;Souza-Silva et al. 2011;Simões et al. 2015;Culver and Pipan 2019b). ...
... Habitats close to the entrance of caves, where access to resources is easier, typically have higher biodiversity (Simões et al. 2015). Larger caves have greater zonation and may also exhibit high diversity, with different organisms highly specialized for troglobitic life inhabiting each zone (Ferreira 2000;Souza-Silva et al. 2011;Simões et al. 2015;Culver and Pipan 2019b). ...
... Additionally, both geographic regions have complex hydrological patterns that could allow interconnection between different caves (Elliott 2018). These patterns may also be influenced by seasonal changes, such as the rainy season, when the water levels of external aquatic bodies rise, as reported for other tropical caves (Souza-Silva et al. 2011;Simões et al. 2015). Furthermore, in the future we could evaluate the season differences in organic matter and its influence in the trophic ecology variation of cavefish of A. mexicanus. ...
Stable isotope analysis allows the study of element cycles in ecosystems and trophic ecology. δ¹³C reflects the diversity of primary productivity, while δ¹⁵N is a good indicator of trophic levels of organisms. Caves have limited resources due to the absence of light, reducing the trophic chains in these ecosystems. These extreme conditions impose strong selection pressures on cave-dwelling organisms, known as troglobites, which exhibit specific adaptations such as vision and pigment loss, and metabolic and physiological differences with their surface counterparts. The species Astyanax mexicanus corresponds to a model organism in the study of regressive evolution, which presents two different ecotypes, a widely distributed surface morph, and a cave-dwelling morph present in at least 34 caves in three karst regions of San Luis Potosí and Tamaulipas, Mexico. In the present study, we characterized the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N of seven cave populations of A. mexicanus, corresponding to two karst regions: Sierra de El Abra and Sierra de Guatemala, representing distinct genetic cavefish lineages. We also developed a Nutrient Input Index (NI), to assess whether cave geomorphology influences resource availability. We found isotopic differences between caves and regions analyzed. Caves in the Sierra de El Abra showed higher δ¹⁵N values and wider trophic niche ranges compared with those in the Sierra de Guatemala, reflecting a more complex trophic network tentatively associated also with its geological history. In addition, a relationship was observed between the proximity of pools to the surface and the δ¹³C values, which could suggest differences in NI directly associated with cave geomorphology, impacting selective forces across the different cave systems.
... Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between cave characteristics and the richness and composition of their faunal communities. For instance, cave length is often associated with higher species richness, likely because larger caves provide more diverse habitats (Rabelo et al., 2021;Simões et al., 2015;Souza-Silva et al., 2020). However, extensive linear development can also constrain species richness, especially in caves with few entrances. ...
... Beyond cave size, the presence of rivers or streams plays a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity (Simões et al., 2015;Souza-Silva et al., 2020). These water bodies serve as conduits for transporting trophic resources, particularly when they originate from surface ecosystems, delivering energy into the cave's deeper zones (Souza-Silva et al., 2011;Venarsky et al., 2012). ...
... These water bodies serve as conduits for transporting trophic resources, particularly when they originate from surface ecosystems, delivering energy into the cave's deeper zones (Souza-Silva et al., 2011;Venarsky et al., 2012). Additionally, microclimatic factors such as temperature and humidity are often closely tied to the presence of substantial water bodies within caves, further influencing biodiversity (Simões et al., 2015;Souza-Silva et al., 2011. ...
Understanding the factors that shape invertebrate communities within caves is crucial globally, yet studies on this topic remain limited. To explore the ecological factors influencing the fauna of Padre Cave, the third-largest cave in Brazil, we analyzed the richness and composition of invertebrate communities and their responses to different cave zones and habitat characteristics. These characteristics include physical, trophic, and climatic variables, diverse substrates, the presence of shelters, and food availability. Our results indicate that the distance from the nearest entrance and the zonation within the cave are the primary factors determining the distribution of terrestrial invertebrates. Additionally, habitat heterogeneity plays a key role in shaping faunal richness and composition, with shelter and food availability emerging as crucial elements. This study also uncovered previously unrecorded species, identifying a total of 26 troglobitic species, establishing Padre Cave as a new hotspot for subterranean biodiversity in South America. Beyond the ecological findings, the data presented here underscore the cave's immense biological importance, particularly given its current lack of formal protection. The results emphasize the urgent need to safeguard the cave in its entirety, as it is a highly heterogeneous environment with unique habitats that contribute to its remarkable biodiversity.
... Cave invertebrate communities are primarily composed of detritivores or generalists (Ferreira & Martins 1999) that exhibit adaptations and tolerances to various biotic and abiotic characteristics of the epigean environment, acting as environmental filters. These invertebrates also occupy specific niches within the caves that align with their physiological and behavioral traits (Simões et al. 2015). ...
Cave environments present stable abiotic conditions, including permanent darkness, high humidity, and mild temperatures, while biotic factors reflect simplified ecological networks and energy constraints. Cave invertebrates, primarily detritivores and generalists, demonstrate specific adaptations to these conditions. Predation and necrophagy are critical behaviors shaped by the cave's scarcity of food resources. In this study, we report a rare necrophagy event involving Discocyrtanus canjinjim Carvalho & Kury, 2017 (Arachnida: Opiliones) feeding on a deceased cricket (Eidmanacris sp.) (Orthoptera: Phalangopsidae) in the Ponte de Pedra I Cave, Brazil. This limestone cave features large entrances and supports an oligotrophic system. The event occurred in an aphotic zone, where the harvestman displayed no flee behavior despite external stimuli. The presence of other predatory arachnids suggests potential intra-guild competition. Opiliones in the Cerrado and Caatinga exhibit opportunistic carnivory, consuming various prey taxa, including insects and vertebrates. Necrophagy, intra-guild predation, and cannibalism are behaviors reported in subterranean populations due to limited food availability. Climate change and anthropogenic pressures, such as deforestation and mining, threaten the stability of cave environments. Observations like this contribute to understanding the ecological dynamics within caves, highlighting the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems.
... The cave entrance modulates various characteristics, including nutrient input, acting as a filter for animals that are forcibly introduced by water or floods. These animals may temporarily inhabit the cave environment (Simões et al. 2015). The cave entrance and its surrounding area can serve as nesting sites for birds, pollinating insects, and small non-flying mammals. ...
... For instance, occupation of the cave entrance area by anurans likely facilitates escape, nocturnal foraging, and access to a rich food supply due to the ecotone environment. Additionally, it offers shelter from predators and desiccation (Eterovick et al. 2010, Simões et al. 2015. In contrast, the presence of anurans in deeper, low-light (dysphotic) or no-light (aphotic) zones might indicate refuge from visual predators (Bernarde 2012) or feeding opportunities (dysphotic zone, personal observation Francisco L. Tejerina-Garro). ...
The natural underground environment has unique characteristics when compared to surface environments. These environments feature a reduced complexity food web that includes organisms such as anuran amphibians. This study examines the occurrence of Neotropical anurans in Brazilian caves, utilizing taxonomic, geographic, geological, and environmental data extracted from the scientific literature. A total of 247 anuran records were found in caves across 18 scientific papers covering a 42-years period (from 1980 to 2022). Of these, 177 records (71.6%) displayed the anurans identified to the species level (54 species), with the families Leptodactylidae (13 species; 24.1%), Hylidae (12; 22.2%), and Bufonidae (10; 18.5%) being the most frequently recorded. The anuran records were predominant in the states of Minas Gerais (81 records; 34.8%) and São Paulo (35; 15.0%). The Atlantic Forest had the highest number of records (78; 33.5%), followed by ecotonal zones between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado (43; 18.5%). Environmental information was scarce in the consulted records, with only 12 providing detail about the cave light zone where the anuran was found (nine in the entrance zone) and 63 indicating the presence/absence of water bodies. Carbonaceous (109; 46.8%) and ferruginous (76; 33.9%) lithology predominated among the caves considered. The low number of sampled caves (55 caves; 0.24%) compared to the total number of caves registered in Brazil (23,278 caves) underscores a knowledge gap regarding Neotropical anurans use of subterranean habitats.
... Researchers have investigated the factors responsible for the spatial structuring of cave communities, particularly in tropical caves. For instance, species diversity increases with the presence of water bodies, cave extension (Simões et al., 2015), resource availability (Ferreira et al., 2007;Ferreira & Martins, 1999;Souza-Silva et al., 2011, and substrate diversity. Additionally, habitat heterogeneity, a global driver of diversity in a diversity of ecosystems (Tews et al., 2004), also plays a critical role in structuring cave communities (Pacheco et al., 2020;Souza-Silva et al., 2021;Furtado-Oliveira et al., 2022;Reis-Venâncio et al., 2022). ...
In caves, the absence of natural light in deeper regions starkly contrasts with the entrance areas, which still exhibit a light gradient extending into the cave interior. This interplay with the structural gradient of the environment potentially exerts distinct influences on invertebrate communities residing in different cave light zones. To investigate this, we formulated a hypothesis positing that communities within distinct cave light zones respond differently to habitat structure and microclimatic conditions. Our approach involved a spatial multi‐scale sampling of invertebrates and the application of statistical analyses to contrast the responses of communities inhabiting photic and aphotic zones. Photic zone richness is influenced by factors such as air moisture, resource availability, root presence, and shelter diversity. In contrast, the richness of communities in aphotic zones is shaped by resource availability, the presence of roots, branches, and distance from the cave entrance. As expected, the richness in the photic zone surpasses that of the deeper regions, highlighting the challenges faced by invertebrates attempting to establish themselves in the aphotic zone. The species composition of faunal communities varied predictably from the entrance to the aphotic zone, and the three most important factors driving this variation were geographic distance, humidity, and distance from the entrance. The composition between these cave zones differs significantly, primarily due to the high number of obligate cave species predominantly inhabiting the aphotic region. Indeed, communities associated with different cave zones exhibit distinct responses to resource, microclimatic, and structural variables.
Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
... The relevance of Brazilian subterranean natural cavities (hereinafter caves) as reservoirs of specialized biota has been recognized by several authors for almost five decades (Dessen et al. 1980;Trajano 1987;Trajano and Gnaspini-Netto 1991;da Rocha R 1994;Trajano 2000;Ferreira and Horta 2001;Trajano and Bichuette 2010;Simões et al. 2015;de Fraga et al. 2023;Howarth 2023). However, these environments are not at the forefront of global conservation issues (Mammola et al. 2019) nor frequently prioritized for biodiversity surveys. ...
A list of ant species collected in caves at different localities of Minas Gerais state, Brazil is presented, based on specimens deposited in the Entomological Collection Padre Jesus Santiago Moure (DZUP). Of the 51 species/morphospecies found, two are new records for the state. We encourage an increase in ant collection efforts in Brazilian caves using different sampling techniques and comparative approaches in order to improve the current knowledge of ant diversity in these environments.
... Froeschner (1981) presented a key to the South American fauna of the subfamily Cydninae, the largest and most diverse of the family, with 90 genera and 300 species. Only data on unidentified cydnids has been presented in many articles about Brazilian caves, especially those found associated with guano from fruit bats (GNASPINI NETTO 1989;PINTO-DA-ROCHA, 1995;SIMÕES et al., 2015;SOUZA et al., 2020). In general, such species are abundant and found on the soil surface near roots and guano, as well as under blocks. ...
... Despite occurring in many crops, they are considered minor pests in orchards and are not mentioned among heteropterans of economic importance (SCHAEFER; . Simões et al. (2015) found a species in caves in the state of Minas Gerais, while studying the how physical attributes of caves influence the structure and composition of cave invertebrate communities. ...
... Fatores externos que podem prejudicar e enviesar os estudos acabam sendo amenizados no interior das cavernas. Estudos que buscam entender a influência das características do habitat sobre a estruturação de comunidades em ambientes cavernícolas têm demonstrado a relação da disponibilidade e diversidade de micro-habitats e recursos orgânicos, extensão da caverna, presença de cursos d'água (SIMÕES et al., 2015(SIMÕES et al., , 2022PACHECO et al., 2020;SOUZA-SILVA et al., 2021;CARDOSO et al., 2022;FURTADO--OLIVEIRA et al., 2022;REIS-VENÂNCIO et al., 2022). A partir disso, a heterogeneidade ambiental, entendido como um dos direcionadores globais da biodiversidade (TEWS et al., 2004;TONETTI et al., 2023), exerce um papel fundamental na estruturação de comunidades subterrâneas, e recentemente vem sendo investigada por pesquisadores da área (PA-CHECO et al., 2020;SOUZA-SILVA et al., 2021;CARDOSO et al., 2022;FURTADO-OLIVEIRA et al., 2022;REIS-VENÂNCIO et al., 2022). ...
In this study, we used a multimodal statistical approach to assess the influence of physical, trophic, and shelter components on the spatial and temporal structuring of terrestrial invertebrate communities in limestone caves located in Iuiú and Malhada, southwestern Bahia. Seven caves were sampled during two distinct events, in 2016 and 2021, both during the dry season. 1 x 1 m quadrants were used for invertebrate collection and to measure organic and inorganic substrate components. Species richness and composition remained constant between sampling events, indicating that caves may exhibit a stable ecological carrying capacity over time. The increase in species richness was influenced by the amount of boulders in both sampling events, highlighting the importance of environmental heterogeneity even in the long term. These results emphasize the importance of maintaining key elements for the conservation of these communities.
... The following taxa were not included in the above assessment due to the lack of sufficient information and difficulties of determining discrete taxonomic units (i.e., species and subspecies) and associating cave collections of these taxa with epigean records: Batodesmini Cook, 1896[undescribed Alocodesmus Silvestri, 1896(Chapman, 1980], Trichomorphini Hoffman, 1979[Trichomorpha Silvestri, 1897(Chapman, 1980Barriga et al., 2019, Colombia)]; Arthrosolaenomeridini Hoffman, 1976[Arthrosolaenomeris Schubart, 1943and Gangugia Schubart, 1947(Trajano et al., 2000]; Chelodesmini Cook, 1895[Eurydesmus DeSaussure, 1860(Trajano et al., 2000]; Strongylomorphini Hoffman, 1981[Brasilodesmus Brölemann, 1929(Trajano et al., 2000Bichuette et al., 2017, Brazil) and Strongylomorpha Silvestri, 1897 (Trajano et al., 2000, Brazil)]; Leptodesmini Attems, 1898[Leptodesmus DeSaussure, 1859(Trajano et al. 2000]; Lepturodesmini Hoffman, 1975[Camptomorpha Silvestri, 1897(Trajano et al., 2000 and Lepturodesmus Silvestri, 1898(Chapman 1980]; and the genus without tribal position Henrisaussurea Hoffman, 1971(Bichuette et al., 2017. It is important to reinforce the idea that many studies focusing on cave invertebrates do not present Chelodesmidae taxa determined to the genus or species level, but only present family-level records (e.g., Ferreira et al., 2010;Simões et al., 2015;Souza-Silva et al., 2020. Therefore, the actual number of chelodesmid cave records is certainly higher than the one presented in this study, which focused on described and valid taxa. ...
Chelodesmidae is one of the most species rich families within the Myriapoda. However, little is known regarding their association with caves. We provide a list of all Chelodesmidae taxa reported from caves, map their worldwide distribution, and discuss the troglomorphic features of the group. A total of 25 species and subspecies from 20 genera and 2 subfamilies have been recorded from 59 caves and cave systems in 11 countries. These numbers represent a surprisingly modest proportion (~3%) of the approximately 800 described species in the family. Records of cave-dwelling chelodesmids appear to be geographically biased with most taxa reported from the Neotropics, likely due to the greater diversity of the group in the region. The lack of published records from the Afrotropics can undoubtedly be attributed to low sampling efforts. In addition, many studies focusing on cave invertebrates, especially in the tropics, often fail to identify chelodesmid taxa to the species level, thus precluding their inclusion on checklists. The majority of the Chelodesmidae reported from caves do not display obvious adaptations to a subterranean lifestyle and are not troglomorphic. The five troglobitic taxa indicated in this study may represent relictual lineages suggesting that few, if any, radiations of chelodesmids within caves have occurred in the past. Increased efforts are needed to bridge the gap between our current understanding and the true diversity of the group in these fragile and threatened habitats, which is necessary to allow policy makers to prioritize appropriate and effective conservation efforts, including the protection of environments severely impacted by human activities.
