A black and white photo of a rock formation

Nat Art Void

Patterns of subterranean biodiversity in natural and artificial ecosystems

ABOUT

Subterranean artificial cavities (e.g. tunnels, mines, and rupestrian settlements) have similar characteristics to natural voids, such as caves. These artificial cavities have been shown to provide habitats for wildlife and harbour high species richness. Despite the contribution of artificial cavities to subterranean biodiversity, no study examined the differences between caves and artificial subterranean ecosystems (ASE). The aim of the project is to study patterns and drivers of biodiversity in natural (i.e. caves) and ASE.

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OBJECTIVES

NatArtVOID will improve our understanding of the role played by artificial subterranean ecosystems in providing substitute habitats in the context of increasing human pressures. The project will document the following:

01

Functional Diversity

Which are the environmental factors that affect the taxonomic, genetic and functional diversity, species community structure and composition in natural and artificial subterranean ecosystems.

02

Communities Turnover

Does the community turnover (i.e., beta diversity) vary between artificial and natural ecosystems and what are the environmental factors that mediate the turnover?

03

Life history

What are the differences in life-history characteristics, such as microhabitat fidelity and immigration and emigration probabilities, between natural and artificial subterranean ecosystems?