Biospeleology

Biospeleology is a scientific branch that studies the underground habitats, underground organisms and their mutual relationships. The word Biospeleology comes from three words of Greek origin:

BIOS + SPELEOS + LOGOS = life + cavity + science

Biospeleology is a synthetic science, which in itself combines primarily two basic scientific disciplines: biology and speleology. Biospeleologists needs base knowledge of geomorphology, tectonics, hydrology, cave climate as well as ecology, taxonomy, physiology and ethology of cave organisms. During field research biospeleologists use speleological, rock-climbing and diving techniques and equipment to reach bottom of deep pits and ends of long cave channels.

Good knowledge of methods for sampling of living organisms, sediments, detritus and water are necessary for biospeleological explorations. Cave climate parameters are also often measured. Cave organisms, which are mostly very small, are photographed and filmed with special equipment and techniques. Accordingly, one of the prior condition of successful biospeleological research is interdisciplinarity.

Bibliography: Gottstein Matočec, S., Ozimec, R., Jalžić, B., Kerovec, M. & Bakran-Petricioli, T., 2002: Raznolikost i ugroženost podzemne faune Hrvatske, Zagreb, p. 1-82.