Diversity versus endemism in cave fauna: A study of the invertebrate biodiversity in two low- and high-altitude caves in the Bavarian Alps (Germany)

The biodiversity of two caves in the Bavarian Alps, one at low altitude (Angerlloch) and the other at high altitude (Schrecksattel Ice Cave), was studied, with particular attention paid to the relative abundance of trogloxene, troglophile, and troglobitic species. Two excursions were organised for each cave to collect specimens and set pitfall traps for three months. A total of 32 species were identified in the Angerlloch and 16 in the Schrecksattel Ice Cave. Greater total biodiversity was observed in Angerlloch, but most of this fauna consisted of non-troglomorphic trogloxene species. In the Schrecksattel Ice Cave, only 16 species were found, but some of these were more highly adapted to life underground. Our results indicate that the low-altitude cave attracts a greater diversity of species with a low degree of cave adaptation, whereas the high-altitude cave harbours fewer species overall but has a more specialised troglobitic fauna. The results and species lists are presented herein. Furthermore, the occurrence of the springtail Protaphorura septempapillata (Palissa, 1986) was documented for the first time in the Schrecksattel Ice Cave, representing the second cave record for this species beyond its type locality.