Distribution and a comparative analysis of the aquatic invertebrate fauna in caves of the western Caucasus

摘要: The freshwater fauna of nine caves in central Abkhazia, western Caucasus, revealed 35 species stygo bionts, including 15 new to be described elsewhere. number per station increased from the depth towards entrance Golova Otapa and Abrskila, becoming highest epigean part. In both caves, two abundance peaks aquatic invertebrates were registered: one area, associated with development amphibiotic insect larvae, other depths due high numbers stygobionts. Cave New Athos, richness observed large lakes. faunistic complexes complementary distributions found, first insects cave second composed stygobionts deep areas. impact anthropogenic factors on communities was also noted. stygobiotic faunas all studied clearly divided into three groups, following river valleys which they situated. stygobiont located within valley appeared 50% similar. contrast, composition situated different shared not more than 12% common. Stygobiotic shrimps gas tropod mollusks show profound local endemism. Amphipoda penetrating ground waters wide between systems a single karst massif.