SCUBA: subterranean critters – understanding biodiversity Aotearoa
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Join Julia Kasper, Lead Curator Invertebrates at Te Papa, as she talks about Subterranean ecosystems - some of the least explored habitats on Earth. Globally, scientific knowledge of cave and groundwater invertebrates remains fragmentary, with most regions having only sporadic surveys or taxonomic treatments. Many cave systems host highly specialised faunal assemblages - troglobionts, stygofauna, and other obligate subterranean species - that often display extreme adaptations such as reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, or complete loss of eyes.
The Subterranean Critters: Understanding cave Biodiversity in Aotearoa (SCUBA) project brings together the expertise of a wide range of researchers and cavers to better understand the biodiversity and ecology of faunal communities in caves in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Novel sample collection, combined with reviews of the literature and presently available natural history collection holdings, will enable species discovery and improved understanding of the distribution and conservation status of cave taxa, as well as the abiotic factors that influence their distribution, ecology, and abundance.
Located in Tāne Whakapiripiri, Ōtari Visitor Centre. Gold coin donation. No need to book, just turn up!
This seminar is part of the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust’s annual seminar series. This year, they are on the first Tuesday of the month, March – November, to celebrate 100 years of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
Ōtari 100: Celebrating 100 years of native plants, conservation, and community. 1926-2026.
The Subterranean Critters: Understanding cave Biodiversity in Aotearoa (SCUBA) project brings together the expertise of a wide range of researchers and cavers to better understand the biodiversity and ecology of faunal communities in caves in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Novel sample collection, combined with reviews of the literature and presently available natural history collection holdings, will enable species discovery and improved understanding of the distribution and conservation status of cave taxa, as well as the abiotic factors that influence their distribution, ecology, and abundance.
Located in Tāne Whakapiripiri, Ōtari Visitor Centre. Gold coin donation. No need to book, just turn up!
This seminar is part of the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust’s annual seminar series. This year, they are on the first Tuesday of the month, March – November, to celebrate 100 years of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.
Ōtari 100: Celebrating 100 years of native plants, conservation, and community. 1926-2026.
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Where is it happening?
Otari-Wilton's Bush, Wellington, New Zealand
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherWellington Gardens
