A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity on the Brink: Mo So Cave and the Hon Chong Karst of Vietnam

• DOI: 10.3390/d15101058
• Publication Date: 2023-10-02T08:17:19Z
• Authors: Louis Deharveng; Cong Kiet Le; Anne Bedos; Mark L. I. Judson; Cong Man Le; Marko Lukić; Hong Truong Luu; Ngoc Sam Ly; Tran Quoc Trung N...; Quang Tam Truong; Jaap Vermeulen
• Keywords: Endemism; Biodiversity hotspot

The southern part of the Mekong Delta Limestones Vietnam (MDL-HC or Hon Chong karst) comprises numerous small limestone hills. It is a hotspot biodiversity for soil and cave invertebrates. Here, we synthesize results biological surveys carried out in Hang Mo So, richest MDL-HC troglobionts, surrounding karsts. Methodologies ecological characterization species are discussed, with emphasis on parallel sampling (external plus cave). So has 27 including many still undescribed. An additional 40 cave-obligate known from other caves MDL-HC. Among them, several expected to be found So. Most troglobionts endemic. Several relictual taxa without close relatives Southeast Asia occur MDL-HC, reflecting an ancient origin fauna. reasons this richness uncertain, but cause its current destruction—quarrying—is all too evident. original 4 km2 karst been destroyed soon will be, ultimately leaving only 1.6 unquarried. Endemic linked habitats are, therefore, under clear threat extinction. (MDL-HC) was listed among ten most endangered karsts planet 25 years ago. Today it would probably top list.