The relationship between presence of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and diversity of airbone algae and cyanobacteria in the Glowoniowa NyŻa Cave, Tartra mountains, Poland

Abstract

Of the big mammal taxa, the brown bear (Ursus arctos) is one of a few surviving species and one of the two largest terrestrial carnivorans that have successfully exploited caves. Greenish and blueish patches were collected in August 2016 from the cave walls and pine twigs in the pseudokarstic Głowoniowa Nyża Cave in the High Tatra Mountains, southern Poland. These materials were cultured and the first appearance of airborne microorganisms (algae and cyanobacteria) during two-three months of cultivation were observed. Overall, 24 species were identified using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The highest number (10) of documented species belonged to Cyanobacteria with the genus Gloeocapsa the most diverse. We identified ten Chlorophyta species. Only four taxa of diatoms were found. No correlation between species diversity and physical parameters (temperature and humidity) was found. The materials containing airborne microorganisms growing on the granite walls were most probably brought in by wind, whereas the ones on the twigs were brought in by wind and/or by the bear. The presence of Ursus arctos does influence distribution of airborne microorganisms.