Journal Article
Mammoth Cave: A hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in the United States
Niemiller, M.L., Helf, K. and Toomey, R.S.
Record Number:
5456
Year:
2021
Journal:
Diversity
Pages:
1-21
Volume:
13, 373
Notes:
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Abstract:
Abstract: The Mammoth Cave System in the Interior Low Plateau karst region in central Kentucky,
USA is a global hotspot of cave-limited biodiversity, particularly terrestrial species. We searched the
literature, museum accessions, and database records to compile an updated list of troglobiotic and
stygobiotic species for the Mammoth Cave System and compare our list with previously published
checklists. Our list of cave-limited fauna totals 49 species, with 32 troglobionts and 17 stygobionts.
Seven species are endemic to the Mammoth Cave System and other small caves in Mammoth Cave
National Park. The Mammoth Cave System is the type locality for 33 cave-limited species. The
exceptional diversity at Mammoth Cave is likely related to several factors, such as the high dispersal
potential of cave fauna associated with expansive karst exposures, high surface productivity, and
a long history of exploration and study. Nearly 80% of the cave-limited fauna is of conservation
concern, many of which are at an elevated risk of extinction because of small ranges, few occurrences,
and several potential threats.
Keywords: checklist; karst; species richness; stygobiont; troglobiont
Times Cited:
2
Relevent Species: