Book: The Cave Fauna of California Download free pdf here

The Cave Fauna of California. William R. Elliott, James R. Reddell, D. Craig Rudolph, G.O. Graening, Thomas S. Briggs, Darrell Ubick, Rolf L. Aalbu, Jean Krejca, Steven J. Taylor. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences, July 28, 2017. 311 pp., 25 tables, 9 maps, 4 graphs, 105 photos.

The Cave Fauna of California is a biogeographic study by nine authors, published in the Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences (PCAS) as a free pdf. The front section of the 311-page book covers many topics for cavers, scientists, and general readers. A large literature cited is followed by a species list, site list, glossary, and index. The well-illustrated book will appeal to anyone interested in caves, cave biology, history, geology, and California.

At least 4,600 caves of all types are known in California. The book summarizes 1,301 biological sites, with data from 998 caves: (693 karst caves and features, 181 lava tubes, and 124 sea caves), plus 143 groundwater sites and 160 mines and tunnels.

The book lists 1,366 taxa, including 146 obligate subterranean taxa, comprised of 102 troglobites (terrestrial cave obligates), 12 stygobites (aquatic cave obligates), and 32 phreatobites (obligate groundwater forms). The species list includes 109 new (currently undescribed) species of all types.

The richest regions for obligate subterranean species are the Sierra Nevada, Klamath Mountains, and lava flows in the northern portion of the State. The high number (72) of single-site endemic species is indicative of the insular distribution of karst, large differences in elevation, and the many river systems cutting across the state’s mountain ranges.

The book includes an analysis recognizing 20 high biodiversity caves. The top five are Clough Cave, Samwel Cave, Empire Cave, Clay Cave, and Lilburn Cave. Cave maps illustrate basic cave structure and interesting ecological features, such as roots, which are important food sources in the caves.

The PCAS is distributed as a free pdf file at http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/izg/SciPubs2.html. The pdf is also posted here at www.cavelife.info, the Karst Information Portal, and other sites. A limited number of printed copies may be purchased through Speleobooks at http://www.speleobooks.com/ and via kpiatek@calacademy.org

William R. (Bill) Elliott, Ph.D., NSS 10847 HM-FE

914 Bannister Drive

Jefferson City, Missouri 65109

speodesmus@gmail.com

Abstract

Hidden biodiversity is revealed in this study of California’s subterranean fauna, which contains distinctive elements that differentiate it from other North American regions. Since 1975, the rate of discovery of new species has accelerated with funded projects in most of the important cave areas of the state, including our own studies. Here we compile all available biological records for subterranean sites in California dating back to 1840.

California's karst is primarily comprised of small outcrops of marble or limestone with thousands of caves. Additionally, lava and ash flows, tens of thousands of mines, hundreds of sea caves on the mainland coast and islands, and extensive groundwater systems provide habitat for subterranean life.

At least 4,600 caves of all types are known in California, of which 22% have been biologically sampled. We summarize 1,301 biological sites, and analyze data from 998 caves: (693 karst caves and features, 181 lava tubes, and 124 sea caves), 143 groundwater sites, and 160 mines and tunnels.

In our database 1,366 taxa are recorded; 134 were determined to Family or higher taxa only. There are 102 troglobites (terrestrial cave obligates), 12 stygobites (aquatic cave obligates), and 32 phreatobites (obligate groundwater forms). Of those 146 obligate subterranean taxa, 11 are still undetermined beyond Order or Family, and represent an uncertain number of distinct species, although some may be more than single new species. Our species list includes 109 new (currently undescribed) species of all types, including 72 obligate subterranean species: 61 troglobites, 3 stygobites, and 8 phreatobites, significantly adding to the knowledge of California’s biodiversity.

See pdf of front and back covers.

California Cave Life Symposium

You can download these educational talks from the Symposium, held on April 28, 2018, at the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco.

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A series of 9 slide talks by William R. Elliott, Shannon Bennett, Geo Graening, Darrell Ubick, Rolf Aalbu, Jean Krejca/Steve Taylor, D. Craig Rudolph, Tom Rickman and Barb Andrews. With a book signing and panel discussion by the authors present, Bruce Rogers, and Joel Despain.

These slide talks were produced with images and sound tracks, and are copyrighted, ©2018, by William R. Elliott, the speakers, and photographers. These slide shows are intended for free educational use. No re-use for sale or reformatting is allowed without written permission from William R. Elliott, representative of all speakers.

Thanks to all the speakers, panelists, and photographers: Rolf Aalbu, Kym Abrams, Jessica Blois, Peter Bosted, Dave Bunnell, Stan Cunningham, Joel Despain, William R. Elliott, Marshal Hedin, Jean Krejca, Joel M. Ledford, Gary Nafis, D. Craig Rudolph, and Steven J. Taylor.

Below, in chronological order, are links to PowerPoint files (.pptx) and matching video files (.wmv) of the recorded talks with embedded sound tracks. The PowerPoint files are more compact but only play in PowerPoint if one follows the Note below.

Note: When you download and then open a PowerPoint file, PowerPoint may give you a “Protected View” with a yellow ribbon near the top of the screen. It says “This file originated from an Internet location and might be unsafe.” Just ignore that, click “Enable Editing”, then go to Slide Show, and click “Play from Beginning”. If you do not enable editing, the slides will advance automatically, but the embedded sound track will not play.

The video version of each talk (.wmv) will show on most computers in your favorite media player. Download the files you want and play them. One can pause, rewind, and fast forward these video files.

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1 intro.pptx 14 MB, 7:59 (7 mins. 59 secs.). A PowerPoint slide show. Dr. Shannon Bennett and Dr. William R. Elliott introduce the symposium.

1 intro.wmv 47 MB, 7:59, video format. Download it and play it on your own computer or at a meeting.

2 Graening intro.pptx 26 MB Dr. Geo Graening, Introducing The Cave Fauna of California. A concise history of California cave studies and cave life.

2 Graening intro.wmv 165 MB, 29:55

3 Ubick arachnids.pptx 97 MB CAS arachnologist Darrell Ubick, Cave Arachnids of California.

3 Ubick arachnids.wmv 166 MB, 30:27

4 Aalbu beetles.pptx 69 MB Dr. Rolf Aalbu, Beetles and Caves: Adaptations, unusual California fauna.

4 Aalbu beetles.wmv 172 MB, 25:28

5 Krejca studies.pptx 57 MB Dr. Jean Krejca and Dr. Steve Taylor, Cave Biology Studies and Photography at National Parks.

Jean shares some of her macrophotography skills.

5 Krejca studies.wmv 137 MB, 25:16

6 Rudolph Conservation.pptx 99 MB Dr. D. Craig Rudolph, The Cave Fauna of California and Conservation: The New Melones Connection.

Craig recounts the New Melones Dam project in the mid-1970s and how that led to a series of field studies and

increased knowledge of California cave life.

6 Rudolph Conservation.wmv 231 MB, 33:15

7 Elliott biogeography.pptx 51 MB Dr. William R. (Bill) Elliott, California Cave Biogeography and Biodiversity.

7 Elliott biogeography.wmv 213 MB, 37:44

8 Rickman Andrews Lassen NF.pptx 35 MB Tom Rickman, Development of a Cave Inventory Program on the Lassen National Forest. Barb Andrews, the tie-in the the California

Academy of Sciences.

8 Rickman Andrews Lassen NF.wmv 77 MB, 13:14

9 panel.pptx 32 MB The authors sign books, then are joined by guest experts, Bruce Rogers and Joel Despain, to answer questions from the audience.

9 panel.wmv 232 MB, 35:08

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Questions? speodesmus@gmail.com

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10/4/2020