Guest blog post by Marconi Souza-Silva
Beneath the arid pre-Saharan zone of Morocco lies Aziza Cave, also known as Kef Aziza or Tazouguert Cave. The vast subterranean system stretches over 3.5 kilometers of surveyed galleries, making it Morocco’s fifth-largest cave system and one of the top ten most extensive caves in North Africa.
Beyond its sheer size and geological significance, Aziza Cave harbors a rich and diverse array of subterranean life that is only now beginning to be revealed widely. In a recent study in the journal Subterranean Biology, researchers cataloged the subterranean fauna of Aziza Cave and provided a detailed checklist of 26 different taxa potentially representing cave-restricted species. Among these are 22 troglobitic species, organisms that have adapted to life entirely within the cave environment, and four stygobitic species, which have specially evolved to live in the cave’s groundwater.
The discovery of such a variety of species highlights the cave as a critical biodiversity hotspot, not only in Morocco but for the African continent as a whole. One alarming aspect of this discovery is the large number of species that still need to be thoroughly studied or described.
Only about 34.6% of the species in Aziza Cave have been formally identified and described by scientists. Further research could lead to the identification and description of many new species. The fauna found in Aziza Cave includes a wide variety of life forms, with the richest groups being beetles (Coleoptera), spiders (Araneae), springtails (Entomobryomorpha), and woodlice (Isopoda). Some have evolved remarkable adaptations to their lightless, nutrient-scarce environment, such as reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and heightened sensory capabilities that help them navigate and survive in this extreme habitat.
Despite these discoveries, much of Aziza Cave remains unexplored. Large portions of this karstic system have yet to be surveyed, and researchers believe that the biodiversity uncovered so far is just the beginning. The cave’s unexplored depths likely hold many more secrets, including potentially new species that have yet to be seen by human eyes. This prospect has sparked great interest among speleologists and conservationists, who see Aziza Cave as an important research site for studying subterranean ecosystems.
The biodiversity of Aziza Cave is something to celebrate, but it also sheds light on the significant conservation challenges that subterranean habitats in Morocco and across North Africa are facing. Caves are delicate ecosystems that are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Human activities such as pollution, mining, deforestation, and unsustainable tourism pose severe threats to these ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Once these habitats are damaged or destroyed, it is often impossible to restore them, and the species that inhabit them may face extinction.
Human-induced impacts have already begun to take their toll in Aziza Cave. Visitors can disrupt the delicate balance of the cave’s ecosystem, change water quality, or introduce pollutants and alien species. These pressures underscore the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this unique environment and its inhabitants. By highlighting the importance of Aziza Cave and similar habitats, the researchers hope to encourage further exploration and study of Africa’s subterranean ecosystems and develop effective conservation strategies to protect them. By protecting these fragile ecosystems and supporting scientific exploration, we can ensure that the incredible biodiversity of Aziza Cave and other subterranean habitats continues to thrive.
Research article:
Moutaouakil S, Souza-Silva M, Oliveira LF, Ghamizi M, Ferreira RL (2024) A cave with remarkably high subterranean diversity in Africa and its significance for biodiversity conservation. Subterranean Biology 50: 1-28. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.50.113919