EUNIS habitat classification 2012 amended 2019 > H - Inland unvegetated or sparsely vegetated habitats > H1 - Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies

Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies

English name: Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies

Description (English)

Natural caves, cave systems, underground waters and subterranean interstitial spaces. Caves and their associated waters harbour varied, but paucispecific, communities of animals, fungi and algae that are restricted to them (troglobiont organisms), or are physiologically and ecologically capable of conducting their entire life cycle within them (troglophile organisms), or are dependent on them for part of the life cycle (subtroglophile organisms). Underground waters not associated with caves (stygon) and interstitial spaces harbour distinctive faunas.

Source:
EUNIS habitat classification
Interpretation Manual of the habitats targeted by Resolution No. 4

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type	code H1
Bern Convention	Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites)

Legal status

Mentioned in the following international legal instruments and agreements

Legal text	Annex	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Bern Convention)	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2014)	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
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 200112	65	Caves	same
Phase 1 habitat classification (UK) 1993	I1	Natural rock exposure	overlap
Biodiversity Broad Habitat Classification (UK)	16	Inland rock	wider
Milieux Naturels de Suisse 1998	3.5	Grottes et cavernes obscures	narrower
Milieux Naturels de Suisse 1998	1.4	Eaux souterraines	narrower
Biotopes of the Czech Republic 2001	S3	JESKYNĚ (Caves)	same
Biotopes of Slovakia 1996	1110000	Skalný previs výklenok (abri)	n/a
Biotopes of Slovakia 1996	1140000	Priepast	n/a
Biotopes of Slovakia 1996	1100000	Jaskynný útvar	n/a

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

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems, passages and waterbodies	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems and water bodies	same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712	H1	Terrestrial underground caves, cave systems and water bodies	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905	65	Part of Caves	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997	65	Part of Caves	same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996	65		same
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993	65		same
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1991	65		same
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1989	65		same

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