Cave
Description (English)
Caves originate over very long time periods and are very diverse in extent, configuration and character, some dry, others permanently or seasonally wet, others warm, deoxygenated and variously lit at cave entrances. They occur throughout Europe but are most extensive in karstic areas. Flora and fauna are specialized, adapted to often extreme environmental conditions and include some remarkable troglophiles or distinctive roosting or seasonally dormant creatures.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code U11 |
|---|---|
| Relation to | Annex I habitat types (EU Habitats Directive) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
| Legal text | Annex | Name in legal text | Code in legal text |
Habitat type relationship |
More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora - consolidated version 01/01/2007 | Annex I: natural habitat types of community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation | Caves not open to the public | 8310 | Wider | http://ec.europa.eu/environm...rective/index_en.htm |
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Not available
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H1.2 | Cave interiors | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H1.4 | Lava tubes | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H1.1 | Cave entrances | wider |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H1.3 | Dark underground passages | wider |
| European Red List of Habitats | H1.1 | Cave | same |
