Underground standing and running waterbody

The habitat includes running or standing water bodies that develop under the ground surface. In many cases these water bodies are part of cave systems. Groundwater systems in soil are not included here. The underground water body is a result of impermeable layers below the body that enables accumulation of water. Water can also be captured between two impermeable layers (artesian water). This habitat most often develops on limestone bedrock. By dissolution of limestone, the water creates underground caves that can be filled with water. Specific animals are adapted to these conditions, such as Proteus anguinus the only cave-dwelling chordate species found in Europe. It is an entirely aquatic animal, as it eats, sleeps, and breeds underwater. This animal is most notable for its adaptations to a life of complete darkness: eyes are undeveloped and the animal is blind, while its other senses, particularly smell and hearing, are acutely developed. It has also no pigmentation in its skin. Underground water bodies are an important source for drinking water, and in that sense threatened by pollution. This habitat type can be connected with other habitats developing above the ground surface, like temporary flooded habitats, turloughs, poljes and others karst structures.

Indicators of good quality:

• Unaltered stalactites, stalagmites or other carbonate concretions testifying an active karst phenomenon
• No groundwater capture or canalization
• Presence of invertebrate and vertebrate species typical of this habitat
• No touristic use of the cave

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats