EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > U - Inland habitats with no or little soil and mostly with sparse vegetation > U1 - Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies > U11 - Cave

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	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

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
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Caves not open to the public	8310	Wider	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Not available

Other classifications

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
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
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	H1.2	Cave interiors	wider
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012)	H1.4	Lava tubes	wider
European Red List of Habitats	H1.1	Cave	same

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H1.4	Lava tubes	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H1.1	Cave entrances	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H1.3	Dark underground passages	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H1.2	Cave interiors	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H1.2	Cave interiors	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H1.4	Lava tubes	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H1.1	Cave entrances	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H1.3	Dark underground passages	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H1.4	Lava tubes	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H1.1	Cave entrances	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H1.3	Dark underground passages	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H1.2	Cave interiors	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H1.2	Cave interiors	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H1.4	Lava tubes	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H1.1	Cave entrances	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H1.3	Dark underground passages	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	H1.1	Cave entrances	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	H6.23	Lava tubes	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	H1.2	Cave interiors	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712	H6.23	Lava tubes	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905	66.5	Lava tubes	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997	66.5	Lava tubes	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996	66.5		same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993	66.5		same
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1991	66.5		same

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