One cave, multiple worlds: cave zonation, habitat selection and conservation of cave-dwelling fauna in a new hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in South America

Understanding the factors that shape invertebrate communities within caves is crucial globally, yet studies on this topic remain limited. To explore the ecological factors influencing the fauna of Padre Cave, the third-largest cave in Brazil, we analyzed the richness and composition of invertebrate communities and their responses to different cave zones and habitat characteristics. These characteristics include physical, trophic, and climatic variables, diverse substrates, the presence of shelters, and food availability. Our results indicate that the distance from the nearest entrance and the zonation within the cave are the primary factors determining the distribution of terrestrial invertebrates. Additionally, habitat heterogeneity plays a key role in shaping faunal richness and composition, with shelter and food availability emerging as crucial elements. This study also uncovered previously unrecorded species, identifying a total of 26 troglobitic species, establishing Padre Cave as a new hotspot for subterranean biodiversity in South America. Beyond the ecological findings, the data presented here underscore the cave's immense biological importance, particularly given its current lack of formal protection. The results emphasize the urgent need to safeguard the cave in its entirety, as it is a highly heterogeneous environment with unique habitats that contribute to its remarkable biodiversity.