Management of Groundwater Species in Karst Environments

Abstract

Carbonate karst is characterized by subterranean drainage and contains the most biodiverse groundwater faunas globally. These faunas, which include a suite of higher taxa largely restricted to karst subterranean waters, comprise species that characteristically are narrow range endemics. They typically possess a suite of adaptations to subterranean life that render them especially vulnerable to anthropo- genic disturbance. Most such faunas depend on imported energy, largely in the form of dissolved organic carbon, or on chemoautotrophic energy in particular circum- stances. Karst is especially vulnerable to surface inputs at both local and broad scales owing to the absence of, or thin soil cover, and by the presence of open con- duits that can transport materials such as sediments, pollutants, or nutrients to the deep subterranean waters without amelioration. Management actions – such as sus- taining water supply, control of pollution and nutrification, regulating resource extraction, catchment surface management to sustain recharge and prevent siltation, and control of human access – may need to be applied at very different scales, rang- ing from a small cave, or extending to an entire catchment which may comprise extensive areas outside the karst itself.