SCUBA: subterranean critters – understanding biodiversity Aotearoa

Join Julia Kasper, the Lead Curator of Invertebrates at Te Papa, for an insightful discussion on subterranean ecosystems—some of the least explored habitats on our planet! 🌌

Delve into the world of cave and groundwater invertebrates, often overlooked in scientific studies. Discover highly specialized faunal assemblages including troglobionts, stygofauna, and other obligate subterranean species that have adapted remarkably to their environments, featuring traits like reduced pigmentation or elongated appendages. 🦗

The Subterranean Critters: Understanding Cave Biodiversity in Aotearoa (SCUBA) project unites researchers and cavers to enhance our understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cave biodiversity and ecology. Through innovative sampling techniques and literature reviews, this project aims to uncover species distribution, conservation status, and the abiotic factors that shape these unique ecosystems. 📚

🗺️ Location: Tāne Whakapiripiri, Ōtari Visitor Centre
💰 Admission: Gold coin donation!
🚪 No need to book; just turn up!
This seminar is part of the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust annual seminar series celebrating 100 years of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush from 1926 to 2026! 🥳

For more details, click here.