The Importance of Karst Ecosystems

 

(photo by Joe N. Fries)

Karst terranes support some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth.  They contain surprising (and often hidden) regionalbiodiversity*.  Some species are endemicto a single cave, conduit, spring, or sinkhole. An example is the Texas Blind Salamander (above - click the link at left for a cool video by Gregg Eckhardt), one of sevenendangered species living in the Edwards Aquifer.

 

(photo by John Cabbott)

Some species that do not live underground, like the Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly, arestill entirely dependent on karst groundwater.

 

(photo by Tilo Nadler)

In Vietnam. the endangered Delacour’s Langur lives only on karstic pinnacles, which are also preferred by the Iberian Ibex in Andalucia.

 

(photo by Tim Bechtel)

Karst aquifers (particularly in Europe where we are working) are rich in undiscovered species** that could be lost before they are ever found ifwe degrade the water quality or diminish its quantity.

Please fund us and help to understand and protect theseecosystems.

*Culver & Sket, 2000 

**Culver & Pipan, 2009