Diversity in the Darkness: Addressing Gaps in our Knowledge of Subterranean Biodiversity in North America

Join us for a fascinating discussion by Matthew Niemiller, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama at Huntsville about subterranean biodiversity in North America. 

Caves, groundwater, and other subterranean habitats harbor a diverse and significant fauna that provide significant economic and societal value (i.e., ecosystem services), from water purification and nutrient recycling to being important models for developmental and human health research. Yet, our knowledge of subterranean biodiversity is extremely limited and adheres to the idiom “out of sight, out of mind.” Most cave-obligate species are diminutive, non-charismatic, and occur in habitats that are literally hidden below the earth. Consequently, significant knowledge gaps exist related to true levels of diversity, distributions, abundance, evolutionary history, and life history of subterranean fauna. The ever-increasing risk of biodiversity loss from a plethora of threats, such as urbanization, groundwater pollution, and climate change, adds urgency to our need to understand the responses and resiliency of subterranean biodiversity in the face of environmental change. Here I review cave and groundwater fauna in North America, including its diversity, importance, knowledge gaps, and conservation status. I also will discuss new approaches and initiatives to address these knowledge shortfalls and offer recommendations for future research and conservation efforts.

Location: Madison Public Library – 142 Plaza Blvd, Madison, AL 35758

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