The genus Niphargus, the most diverse subterranean amphipod genus in the western Palearctic, shows many cryptic species and homoplasy, necessitating molecular methods for understanding its evolution. In a new study, published in Contributions to Zoology, we used DNA-based taxonomy and traditional morphotaxonomy to study Niphargus bihorensis Schellenberg, 1940, from the Western Alps and Carpathians. The type material from Bihor County, Romania, revealed a cryptic species, N. absconditus n. sp., in the same area. Furthermore, we describe the Alpine populations as a new species, N. tizianoi n. sp. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest the N. bihorensis species complex is part of a well-supported clade with species ranging from Switzerland to Iran.
Deficits in the ecological state of small Swiss streams
We published a study of 99 small Swiss streams in Aqua & Gas which reveals that most of these streams have significant ecological deficits, limiting their ability to serve as habitats for animals. In over 70% of the streams studied, pesticide-sensitive insect larvae and other small animals are partially missing. Statistical analyses show that these aquatic organisms are particularly affected when the stream bed structure and morphology have been altered or when the catchment area has a high proportion of agricultural land.
How to preserve subterranean biodiversity
Our international collaborative team in the Biodiversa funded project DarCo has published a perspective paper in npj biodiversity. Subterranean ecosystems, consisting of terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic components, face increasing threats from human activities, and existing surface-protected areas are insufficient to safeguard their biodiversity. Establishing protected areas for subterranean ecosystems is hindered by technical challenges in mapping three-dimensional systems, the rarity and endemism of subterranean organisms, and the need for collaboration among multiple stakeholders with competing interests. Despite uncertainties, our paper emphasizes the timely and critical assessment of general criteria for subterranean biodiversity protection, advocating for their implementation based on precautionary principles and proposing solutions to enhance the coverage of subterranean ecosystems within European protected areas.
Groundwater is a hidden keystone ecosystem
In an international collaboration published in Global Change Biology, we investigated the importance of groundwater as a key global ecosystem. Groundwater plays a central role in the global water cycle, harbors a unique biodiversity and provides important ecosystem services such as clean drinking water. However, it is under increasing pressure and is often neglected in nature conservation. Our assessments show that groundwater interacts with more than half of the land surface. It is therefore essential to recognize its interconnected nature and pursue holistic approaches to groundwater protection. We propose eight concrete steps for a scientific and political agenda to protect groundwater and combat the loss of its biodiversity.
The Conversation published an article on the publication: https://theconversation.com/we-rely-heavily-on-groundwater-but-pumping-too-much-threatens-thousands-of-underground-species-218919
Environmental DNA and participatory science to map groundwater fauna
In our most recent study, published in Scientific Reports (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44908-8), we used participatory science and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to investigate groundwater amphipods and to capture a broader picture of the groundwater community, including microorganisms. Combining both methods revealed co-occurring amphipod species and their correlation with overall groundwater biodiversity, enhancing our understanding of subterranean ecosystems. In conclusion, we propose two novel methods for studying groundwater organisms, which can be applied independently or, more effectively, in combination. These approaches offer valuable tools for addressing uncharted aspects of subterranean biology.