Biospeleology and Karst Edaphobiology Institute of Speleology "Emil Racoviță"
Research into the biodiversity and dynamics of ecosystems in karst areas
Research into the biodiversity and dynamics of karst ecosystems, with applications in the protection and conservation of Romanian and European subterranean heritage.
The department is equipped with instruments used in microscopy and applied ecology studies, essential for the investigation of edaphic and subterranean fauna.
Areas of activity
Comparative studies in taxonomy, morphology, zoogeography and statistical and experimental ecology (assimilability, caloric yield, secondary production) of edaphic and subterranean fauna across karst and non-karst zones.
Local monitoring and identification of bioindicator species, implementation of studies on the dynamics of karst ecosystems, assessing key parameters in the dynamic equilibrium of epigean ecosystems of national or European significance.
Taxonomic and biogeographic research studies and scientific background notes on populations of rare, endangered and vulnerable species monitored at European and national level.
The biospeleological collection
The collection contains specimens gathered over more than 60 years of research, from karst areas both in Romania and abroad — Antarctica, Venezuela, Cuba, Israel, the Mediterranean region and elsewhere.
Of particular importance are the type specimens of species new to science, discovered and described over the years by the institute's researchers.
Research team
Lily
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