At the Castellana Caves (Ba) the World Biodiversity Day neighbor 22st May It will be an opportunity to illustrate life in caves and in particular to focus attention on theItalodytes stammeri, a beetle endemic to central-southern Puglia and eastern Basilicata, also present in the Castellana caves, which in this 2021, declared by the International Union of Speleology (UIS) "International Year of Caves and Karst", has been designated Cave Animal of the Year.
An intense weekend will see the involvement of the occasion Castellana Caves, Puglia Caves Group, Italian Speleological Society, WWF Eastern Adriatic, WWF YOUngIn partnership with Italian Tourist Caves Association and with the patronage of Municipality of Castellana Grotte, in some online initiatives and at the karst site, with the aim of drawing attention to the research and protection activities of underground ecosystems and its inhabitants and, at the same time, to tell the biospeleological investigations in the lateral branches of the caves of the Castellana site, where the presence of specimens of Italodytes stammeri. Visitors who come between Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May from 9:00 to 18:00 Those wishing to visit the karst site will be able to take the opportunity to learn more about the caves, their ecosystem, and the important monitoring of the Cave Animal of the Year, thanks to the educational corners that will be present in the Grave cave and also in the outdoor area.
At the same time, it will be possible to explore the topics further online thanks to some videos published on the Facebook event and on the Castellana Caves YouTube channel, where Saturday 22nd at 17:30 pm a presentation of the research project will also be broadcast live, involving all the actors of the initiative and illustrating in detail the activity started by speleologists a few months ago in the Castellana Caves on monitoring the presence and number of specimens of Italodytes stammeriThis activity is useful for assessing the environmental condition of caves. In fact, due to its sensitivity to microclimatic variations, the insect is an excellent indicator of the stability and good conservation conditions of the underground environment.
The planned initiatives are part of the 2021 National Speleology Days. Full details are available on the Facebook event at the following link: www.facebook.com/events/293447769100546/, while it is possible to find out how and when to visit the karst site on the website www.grottedicastellana.it.
ITALODYTES STAMMERI
It is an insect endemic to central-southern Puglia and eastern Basilicata, whose average size is between 4,5 and 4,7 mm, which was discovered by Prof. Hans Jürgen Stammer (1899–1968), zoologist and professor at the University of Breslau, in 1937.
Its biology is not yet fully understood, but it clearly prefers environments with temperatures between 13 and 17°C and high relative humidity. When the humidity decreases, it appears to move into crevices or more humid areas of the cave. One of its characteristics is the notably developed abdominal surface and elytra, which take on a globular shape. This results in a balloon-like shape, which corresponds to a respiratory chamber that stores the moist air needed for breathing in dry areas of the cave. This aesthetic-functional feature fully justifies the scientific name given to this carabid: "the Italian diver dedicated to Stammer." Given the reduced respiratory system, respiration occurs through the tergal surface of the abdomen, which is located beneath the swollen elytra.
It is highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and therefore its use as an indicator of climatic changes in the cave could be hypothesized.
It is a predator and feeds on springtails, pseudoscorpions, mites, crustaceans, dipteran larvae, and molds, although it has occasionally been found on plant bait. Studies conducted by Luigi De Marzo have highlighted a dilated intestinal portion that favors the ingestion of large quantities of food, thus allowing it to maximize irregular food resources.
More information: https://animalidigrotta.speleo.it/italodytes-stammeri/
INITIATIVES BY:
Castellana Caves
Among Puglia's most important tourist attractions, the caves, corridors, stalactites, stalagmites, and concretions with their surprising shapes and colors of the Castellana Caves offer a breathtaking spectacle, with unique spaces and perspectives. This subterranean world formed 90 million years ago, revealed to man in 1938, unveils new sensations and timeless emotions with every visit.
The Castellana Caves are a complex of underground karst caves, considered among the most beautiful and spectacular in Italy. The tourist trail extends for approximately 3 km at an average depth of 70 meters, along an easily accessible path accompanied by expert guides. An extraordinary guided excursion in a breathtaking setting, sure to spark the imagination of both adults and children.
Puglia Caves Group
Since its founding in 1971, the Puglia Grotte Group has conducted speleological research and exploration in Puglia, southern Italy, and Albania. Furthermore, through its long-standing commitment to education, it has offered more than thirty introductory courses in speleology and several regional and national specialization courses.
Also important is the organization of speleology courses, advanced courses for teachers, and educational workshops for schools of all levels.
Italian Speleological Society
As an environmental protection association, the Italian Speleological Society is constantly committed to safeguarding the karst-speleological heritage through scientific research programs and monitoring the health and protection of karst and underground environments.
Through studies and compatibility analyses in the underground and above-ground karst environment, it partners with organizations and institutions seeking data, information, and methods to provide essential knowledge for the rational management of environmental and landscape resources.
The Italian Speleological Society has also long focused its attention on the problem of water resources, aware that in the near future karst waters will become increasingly important for their use.
WWF Eastern Adriatic
WWF Italy's affiliated organization in Puglia, with jurisdiction over the Province of Bari and BAT for the municipalities of Bari, Andria, Barletta, Bisceglie, Canosa di Puglia, Capurso, Casamassima, Cellamare, Conversano, Giovinazzo, Mola, Molfetta, Monopoli, Noicattaro, Polignano a Mare, Rutigliano, Trani, Triggiano, Turi, and Valenzano. WWF's work is aimed at protecting the environment and the surrounding area, working together with other associations, institutions, research organizations, and businesses to act in a coordinated and effective manner. All WWF projects and activities play a fundamental role in halting environmental degradation and helping people live in greater harmony with nature. WWF has members of all ages, political orientations, social classes, occupations, and educational levels, an important detail in demonstrating how an initiative supported by this association can positively impact a country on multiple fronts.
WWF YOUng
It is the new network that connects young people between 18 and 35, from all over Italy, who want to become passionate about nature and want to do something to protect our planet, together.
Italian Tourist Caves Association
Founded in 1994, the Association of Italian Tourist Caves arose from the need expressed by industry professionals to foster the exchange of their respective management, technical, and promotional experiences. This was done in order to select the best solutions while discarding those that had led to negative results.
Photo Fabrizio Stagnani
Download a short video here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UN62Lefnp9ASiheh0BP15hvihzitZdGD/view?usp=sharing
