Journal Article
There and back again—The Igatu hotspot siliciclastic caves: Expanding the data for subterranean fauna in Brazil, Chapada Diamantina region
Gallão, J.E., Ribeiro, D.B., Gallo, J.S. and Bichuette, M.E.
Record Number:
6269
Year:
2023
Journal:
Diversity
Pages:
1-15
Volume:
15, 991
Abstract:
Abstract: The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andaraí, belonging to the region known as Chapada
Diamantina represent a new hotspot of subterranean fauna. These caves are siliciclastic, which are
sedimentary rocks where silica predominates, such as sandstones and (following metamorphism)
quartzites, which makes them even more relevant from the point of view of subterranean diversity.
For five caves, which we named Igatu Cave System (ICS), thirty-seven obligate cave species were
found, of which thirty-five were troglobitic and two were stygobitic. The troglobitic taxa for ICS
belong to three phyla, nine classes, 18 orders, and 32 families, representing a high phylogenetic
diversity. Some taxa were, for the first time, reported as troglobitic in Brazil and even worldwide,
such as Acari and scutigeromorphans (Chilopoda). We started the studies in 2009 and continue
trough long-term monitoring projects. Some threats, severe in the past, such as “garimpo” (illegal
small-scale artisanal mining) continue nowadays in an incipient way; however, the urban expansion
due to the touristic appeal is also considered a threat. Our data ranked ICS as the Brazilian hotspot
with the highest number of troglobitic/stygobitic species.
Keywords: subterranean biodiversity; conservation; Bahia state; Northeastern Brazil
Times Cited:
1
Relevent Species: