ABSTRACT
Understanding habitat extension that limits species distribution is a crucial tool for management and conservation, in which habitat mapping plays a pivotal role. The mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) is a type of shallow subterranean habitat with an important conservation value for invertebrate communities, functioning as climatic/reproductive refuge, biogeographic corridor and/or permanent habitat. Methodologies to map the mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) are currently lacking. We propose a novel method for colluvial MSS habitat mapping, combining geographic information systems, geological maps, and geological knowledge on the habitat genesis. We tested and validated the efficiency of the method using the Arrábida karst area (Portugal) as a model. The method allowed the remote detection of MSS habitats suitable for invertebrate communities ex situ within the study area, and enabled the estimation of habitat extent. The faunal communities sampled in the selected location were dominated by arthropods, especially insects, showcasing the efficacy of this mapping method to detect suitable MSShabitats. The use of this method considerably reduces the in situ scouting area, providing a more efficient way of locating these habitats. The MSS is protected under EU legislation concerning floral communities and geological features, completely neglecting its faunal communities. This method also allows to estimate potential MSS habitat extension in several lithologies, facilitating the implementation of invertebrate prospections, and the establishment of more effective conservation measures.

References: Eusébio R., Fonseca P.E., Rebelo, R., Mathias M.L. & Reboleira A.S.P.S. ​(2023). How to map potential mesovoid shallow substratum (MSS) habitats? A case study in colluvial MSS. Subterranean Biology, 45: 141-156. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.45.96332

ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the physiological tolerance of groundwater species to human-induced stress, encompassing temperature changes, chemical and other environmental contamination, and changes in environmental conditions in a laboratory setting. The chapter consists of three sections, each comprising a small introductory paragraph, a discussion on the main specific aspects of tolerance, and a conclusive paragraph, wrapping up key points and providing future prospects. In Section 1, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to changing thermal conditions”, we highlighted that the effects of global warming on groundwater animals might be more severe than expected, especially in areas where global warming is superimposed by additional temperature elevations due to urban groundwater heat-ups. In Section 2, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to chemical stress”, our overview of the available studies highlights that the ecological risk assessment in groundwater is currently poorly realistic because it is based on the tolerance of surface water species that do not possess any of the distinctive traits of the true inhabitants of these environments. In Section 3, entitled “Physiological tolerance of groundwater organisms to light, food, and oxygen variations: indications for ecotoxicological protocols”, we pointed out that the standard ecotoxicological protocols issued for surface water species are not directly applicable to groundwater organisms but require adjustments. We concluded the chapter by suggesting that several further investigations are necessary to make sound predictions on the future distribution of groundwater organisms according to the expected scenarios of climate change, groundwater heat-ups, chemical contamination, and ecological risk.

Reference: Di Lorenzo T., Avramov M., Galassi D.M.P., Iepure S., Mammola S., Reboleira A.S.P.S. & Hervant F. (2023). Physiological tolerance and ecotoxicological constraints of groundwater fauna. pp. 457-479. In: Malard F., Griebler C. & Rétaux S. (Eds.), Groundwater Ecology and Evolution. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819119-4.15004-8

ABSTRACT
The concept of ecosystem health is now widely used to communicate the status or condition of a natural environment and is embedded in environmental policies globally. The concept has underpinned ecological assessments for decades but has only recently been applied to groundwater ecosystems. The aim of this chapter was to provide a critical review of current methods for monitoring and assessing the health of groundwater ecosystems, and a discussion of future directions to progress the understanding of ecosystem health, and the provision of ecosystem services in groundwaters.
The assessment of ecosystem health is frequently based on the measurement of a suite of indicators at a site, which should reflect the organization and function of the ecosystem, and the presence of stressors as an early warning indicator. For groundwaters, this should include characterization of biotic (microbial, invertebrate and vertebrate) and abiotic parameters, and specifically include the provision of functions that provide ecosystem services. A number of indicators and approaches have been developed for assessing the health of groundwater ecosystems. These include methods in the fields of community ecology, functional ecology, and ecotoxicology and recently integrated molecular approaches. A holistic approach is needed for managing groundwater ecosystems, and the same should be applied to monitoring ecosystem health. Approaches should be based on sound science, engagement with stakeholders, and consider the interconnected nature of groundwater and surface waters, with the goal to preserve the unique subterranean biodiversity.
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Reference: Hose G.C., Di Lorenzo T., Fillinger L., Galassi D.M.P., Griebler C., Hahn H.J., Handley K.M., Korbel K., Reboleira A.S.P.S., Siemensmeyer T., Spengler C., Weaver L. & Weigand A. (2023). Assessing groundwater ecosystem health, status and services. pp. 501-524. In: Malard F., Griebler C. & Rétaux S. (Eds.), Groundwater Ecology and Evolution. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819119-4.00022-6