Distribution and a comparative analysis of the aquatic invertebrate fauna in caves of the western Caucasus

Aquatic invertebrate fauna in nine caves of central Abkhazia, western Caucasus, revealed 35 stygobiont species, including 15 new ones. Species richness and abundance peaked near cave entrances due to amphibiotic insects and in deeper areas due to stygobionts. Stygobiotic faunas were distinctly divided by river valleys, with caves within the same valley sharing 50% similarity, while those in different valleys shared only 12%. Profound local endemism was observed in stygobiotic shrimps and gastropods, highlighting the unique biodiversity of these subterranean ecosystems. The study also noted anthropogenic impacts on cave communities.

Chertoprud, E. S., Palatov, D. M., Borisov, R. R., Marinskiy, V. V., Bizin, M. S., & Dbar, R. S. (2016). Distribution and a comparative analysis of the aquatic invertebrate fauna in caves of the western Caucasus. Subterranean Biology, 18, 49–70. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.18.8648