ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY ONLINE PLATFORM FOR RESEARCH

Projects

    Ongoing
2023-06-01 - 2026-06-01

Cave dwelling invertebrates of Georgia - origin, diversity and conservation

Implementer:: INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY

Caucasus is the biodiversity hot-spot. Subterranean (invcluding karst caves) biodiversity was not a basis for designation of 'hot-spot' status due to the lack of data. However, recent works show that the Caucasus region is indeed the hot-spot by from the subterranean diversity viewpoint and is globally vulnerable. In spite of the recent progress in the study of Caucasian subterranean fauna, still the knowledge is very poor. For instance, from teh 1500+ registered caves, only 12% is studied biospeleologically and 131 troglobitic species were detected, mostly a single cave endemic. Clearly an existing cave diversity is much more than we know at this moment. At the same time, nothing is known about the origin and phylogeography of Georgian (Caucasian) subterranean fauna. Furthermore, caves and cave dwelling speices in Georgia are inder the increasing threats of anthropogenic pressure while are completely ignored in nationwide and local conservation incetives. Thus the aim of the project is to develop the integrative understanding of Georgian Cave biodiversity through the three main objectives: 
1. Biodiversity inventory
2. Unraveling the origin of Georgian Cave biodiversity
3. Creating solid bases for cave animals and cave conservation
project objectives are not mutually exclusive and instead are strongly related to each other. For instance, biodiversity inventory (including sample collection, taxonomic work, development of DNA-barcode library etc) is the basis for follow up phylogeographic studies and species/community conservation planning. Thus, project objectives and relevant activities are proposd so to integratively approach the project aim given the limitation in time, budget, and human resources. Within the project, we aim to deliver important phyzical and intelectual results such as specimen and DNA collections, research papers, methodic and practical guidline for species and cave ecosystem conservation etc. Project is supposd to support strongly to the develpment of local expertize and research practice in subterranean biodiversity and act as an important stepping stone for the future research.


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