| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Gallao, Jonas Eduardo
;
Ribeiro, Deyvison Bonfim
;
Gallo, Jessica Scaglione
;
Bichuette, Maria Elina
Total Authors: 4
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | DIVERSITY-BASEL; v. 15, n. 9, p. 15-pg., 2023-09-01. |
| Abstract | |
The caves of Igatu, municipality of Andarai, 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. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 08/05678-7 - Population ecology and behaviour of Brazilian subterranean fishes, genera Glaphyropoma and Copionodon Pinna, 1992 (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae: Copionodontinae) from Chapada Diamantina, central Bahia |
| Grantee: | Maria Elina Bichuette |
| Support Opportunities: | Regular Research Grants |