Abstract:

Cave fauna is an important component of biodiversity. Guangxi has the most spectacular Karst scenery in China beneath which lies a plenty of unexplored cave fauna. However, very little research has been carried out to document them. We collected and identified 180 cave animal specimens, from eight caves in Yachang Nature Reserve, Leye County, NW Guangxi between May and June of 2007. These specimens belonged to 4 phyla, 10 classes, 20 orders, 31 families, and 36 species/groups. Among them, cave crickets, millipedes and spiders are the most widely occurring animals, while Cololembola, Scolopendromorpha, the mosquitoes and flies of Diptera are widely distributed. Blattaria and Neuroptera are only occasionally found. There are more cave animals in wet or longer caves than in dry or shorter ones. In the same cave, dry segment has less cave animals than wet segment. In general, moderate temperature, high humidity, a stable cave environment and an absence of exotic invasive species provides an ideal habitat for cave animals. Unfortunately, we found that some caves have been seriously damaged due to the lack of conservation, which threatens the survival of cave fauna. To avoid loss of Chinese cave biodiversity, we should arouse public awareness of protecting the cave environment. Furthermore, laws of cave biodiversity protection should be made as soon as possible.

Key words: Yachang Nature Reserve, cave fauna, classification, distribution, inhabitation