A new avenue of my research program is examining patterns of subterranean biodiversity on both spatial and temporal scales and the factors important in shaping community structure. The spatial patterns of subterranean biodiversity in North America are not well understood, particularly at local and regional scales. This knowledge is essential to understand variation in community assemblages and to develop sound conservation and management policies. To begin filling in this knowledge gap, Kirk Zigler (University of the South) and I compiled distributional data records of obligate subterranean species in Tennessee, the most cave-rich state in the United States, which includes over 200 species in 55 genera (Zigler & Niemiller 2013) to identify hotspots of biodiversity and endemism, and to understand spatial, temporal and taxonomic patterns of subterranean species assemblages. Spatial distributions of subterranean biodiversity are heterogeneous in Tennessee with hotspots of biodiversity centered along the southern Cumberland Plateau. Caves in this region are also more taxonomically diverse. However, special rarefaction curves show that much biodiversity remains to be discovered, particularly for troglobites. This research provides a foundation for integrating information for conservation and management planning of subterranean organisms.
Kirk Zigler and I are expanding this project to include all states/provinces with caves and karst habitats to examine broad-scale patterns in North America. As a next step, we are collaborating with David C. Culver (American University), Mary C. Christman (University of Florida), Daniel H. Doctor (USGS), David Weary (USGS), and John A. Young (USGS) to develop a classification system of cave and karst habitats and mapping of cave and karst biological resources within the Interior Low Plateau and Appalachian Valley and Ridge karst regions to explore patterns of subterranean biodiversity and endemism. Existing mapping and classification efforts are either restricted geographically, of inadequate scale, or lacking altogether. The synthesis and development of georeferenced cave and karst-related products will aid regional and local stakeholders in the conservation and management of subterranean fauna. This project is funded by the Appalachian LCC.
Primary Collaborators: Kirk S. Zigler (University of the South), David C. Culver (American University), Mary C. Christman (University of Florida), Daniel H. Doctor (USGS), David Weary (USGS), John A Young (USGS)