How Will Underwater Cave Creatures be Affected By Climate Change?

Climate change may be affecting underwater cave creatures, without the majority of humans paying any attention. Fortunately, some scientists are taking on the task of investigating how current climate trends may impact these delicate ecosystems. Global warming is rapidly raising the temperature of earth’s oceans, causing increasing numbers of catastrophic weather events, and melting ice caps. While we are beginning to see the effects on our oceans and freshwater bodies, there is another place where these events could have profound impacts. 

Around the world, deep in dark caves, live amazing creatures who have evolved to thrive in those specific environments. Underwater cave creatures are fascinating. Some exist only in a single cave, while others are widespread. Adapted to the dark conditions of cave life, they may be paler than surface-dwelling creatures. Cave dwellers may also have developed slower metabolisms that equip them to live in an area where food is more scarce. These slower metabolisms may also allow them to consume less oxygen than surface-dwelling fauna. 

Some cave creatures have even evolved to have fewer senses. Lack of light in many caves means that, to these creatures, sight is unnecessary. Many others, such as the adorable axolotl, have extremely poor vision. However, other senses have evolved to compensate for the lack of sight.

Cave creatures have evolved over millennia to be suited to their specific environments. However, the caves in which they live are not immune to the effects of Climate change. These caves may be freshwater, saltwater, or a tidally influenced mix of the two. While freshwater and saltwater caves face their own challenges due to drought, Pollution, ocean acidification, and warming ocean temperatures, the caves that are a delicate balance of fresh and saltwater are of particular concern. The underwater cave creatures there may be particularly susceptible to Climate change. Heavy rain and rising sea levels may upset the water balance they have adapted to.

Although cave creatures are often forgotten about, dedicated scientists are working to understand the effects climate change will have on them. Additionally, they are hoping to raise awareness for these delicate ecosystems. One cave ecologist, Fernando Calderón Gutiérrez, reminds us that these underground systems are closely linked to surface environments. If we are not careful, we could destroy these beautiful, delicate ecosystems and lose all the marvelous cave creatures which inhabit them.

Sign these petitions to protect Son Doong Cave, Vjetrenica Cave, and Save Axolotls!

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