Áfricas subterrâneas: explorando a diversidade nos ambientes cavernícolas do continente africano

Abstract

Understanding the distribution of species is fundamental for biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and the development of suitable strategies for coexistence between humans and the natural world. By comprehending how species are distributed in space, we can identify areas with high biological diversity and, consequently, prioritize them for conservation, safeguarding crucial habitats and ecosystems vital for the survival of various species. This distribution helps us understand the interactions among different species, their adaptations to the environment, and how ecosystems function as a whole, identifying factors influencing species richness and composition. Several predictors play a key role in this distribution across various locations, such as habitat heterogeneity, which promotes species diversity by allowing each species to occupy specific niches and coexist harmoniously. However, studies investigating the environmental influences on the dynamics of cave communities are scarce, especially in some regions like African countries. Therefore, understanding certain dimensions of the ecological niche influencing the composition and richness of invertebrate species associated with African caves is the goal of this research, as well as conducting a survey of troglobitic species occurrence on the continent. We found that diversity varies across different scales and ecoregions. The composition and richness of cave communities are affected by various factors, ranging from regional to local surface phenomena. We observed that the distance from the cave entrance negatively affects species richness, associated with variations in temperature, humidity, and resource availability. However, these relationships were not consistent in all locations and scales analyzed. Habitat heterogeneity has an influence at certain scales, highlighting the importance of the sampling scale. Additionally, specific local factors also influence biological diversity. We also discovered that the occurrence of troglobitic species is affected by biases related to accessibility, which can have implications for conservation. These findings underscore the importance of considering each location's unique characteristics and the need to identify and protect critical habitats, promote connectivity between microhabitats, and ensure resources for the long-term survival of species. In conclusion, understanding species distribution is crucial for effective conservation efforts, as it allows us to target conservation areas, protect vital habitats, and preserve the delicate balance of ecosystems.