Executive Summary 2024
Functional Traits
Three functional traits (body size, dispersal abilities and feeding behaviour) were collected for all taxa to evaluate functional response of invertebrate communities to the different habitat type.
Detritivores play an essential role in the decomposition and degradation of organic substances. Their low abundance in tunnels is due to the suboptimal substrate (tunnels often have a concrete floor).
The high abundance of species with high dispersal abilities and medium size is due to the presence of flies (Limoniidae family). They enter caves in very large numbers for diapause/hibernation.
Fidelity of target species
To assess demographic parameters and the fidelity of target species to a specific microhabitat (mark-recapture study), we selected the opilionid species, Paranemastoma sillii silii.
We conducted a mark-recapture study with a robust design from July 2023 to May 2024 in two caves in Romania, Cloșani Cave and Lazului Cave.
Fidelity did not differ significantly between male and female and was lowe in Lazului Cave than in Cloșani Cave.
Demographic Parameters
Three demographic parameters were estimated: recapture probability (p), survival (S), and temporary emigration (Gamma''). In Cloșani Cave, the recapture probability was significantly lower in winter and significantly higher in summer.
Survival was generally high, with a significant decrease in autum. Additionally, autum recorded the highest temporary emigration. In Lazului Cave, the recapture probability was significantly lower in spring and significantly higher in autum.
Survival was generally high but lower in the autumn months. The highest temporary emigration was recorded in the winter months.
Genetic Diversity
To document genetic diversity, we selected species from two taxonomic groups (Opiliones and Izopoda), that both occur and are abundant in caves and man-made underground habitats. DNA extraction and amplifications (subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase) were successful. The 700bp-long fragments were purified and sequenced unidirectionally.
Sequencing proved successful only for Paranemastoma sillii, implying a change in the primer binding site for Ischyropsalis manicata. Both GenBank search and BOLD Systems search point to a ~ 85-88% similarity to Paranemastoma species.
The lack of publicly available COI sequences for P. sillii could be the cause of the low similarity score and thus the low accuracy of species-specific identification.
Executive summary 2023
Habitat Survey
We conducted surveys in a total of 69 underground habitats, including man-made i.e. six shelters, 21 mines and nice tunnels and natural underground habitats, i.e, 33 caves.
Primary Database
Information (i.e. GPS coordinates, surface habitat, presence of an aquatic habitat, exposure of the entrance) collected from the surveyed habitats was organized in a primary database.
Parameters Record
In in each surveyed habitat we recorded air temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and measured heterogeneity of the walls and the height of the entrance.
Habitat Selection
We have selected 21 habitats ,i.e. nine caves, three mines and nine tunnels for invertebrate inventory. Each was divided into three zones (entrance, transition and deep zone). In each zone invertebrates were collected from both substrates, the floor and the wall.
Habitat Effect
We found that habitat type (i.e. cave, mine and tunnel) and none of the above abiotic variables had a significant effect on the abundance of invertebrates, taxon richness, or diversity, except for the interaction between zone and substrate, which significantly affected all three.
Species Selection
To document genetic diversity, we selected species from two taxonomic groups (Opiliones and Izopoda), that both occur and are abundant in caves and man-made underground habitats.
Executive summary 2022
Data Research
We gathered and centralized data (from literature, online sources and topographic maps) on the location of man-made underground habitats (HSOA) that have the potential to be considered as study sites.
Centralized Data
Literature and own data on caves located in the vicinity of HSOAs were centralized. We centralized data on the taxonomic richness of 6 caves.
Field Work
We visited HSOA and caves in the Piatra Craiului National Park, Brașov county, Bucegi Natural Park, Buzăului Valley Geopark, Prahova county and Porțile de Fier Natural Park (we created a primary database with information collected from the investigated habitats).
Inventory
We began to conduct inventories of invertebrate communities and to document the food resources of herbivorous/detritivorous invertebrates in each habitat visited.
Records
In each investigated habitat the following parameters were recorded: temperature/humidity, entrance exposure, heterogeneity of the walls, light intensity, and length and maximum width of cave galleries.
Website Launch
The project webpage was created.
Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI) PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1047
