Caves- Ecosystems of the past, the present, and the future

Caves can be the holders of great fossil collections. It’s important to remember, though, that they still exist as living ecosystems, and will continue to do so. In this episode of Palaeo Jam, host Michael Mills chats with Dr Liz Reed of the University of Adelaide, and South Australian Museum. This episode was recorded inside Blanch Cave, in the World Naracoorte listed Naracoorte Caves, where Liz is one of many to have conducted research into its remarkable trove of fossils.

 

On the ongoing nature of caves as living ecosystems, Liz notes during the conversation that caves are…

 

“…some of the most fragile ecosystems on the planet, and very susceptible to anything coming in to the caves”.

 

There are important conservation issues that need to be addressed if such caves as the Naracoorte Caves are to continue to be the delightful repositories of life that they are. They are not just places where fossils are to be found.

 

Along the way, Michael and Liz also talk about the inaugural Australian Mammal of the Year, the Southern BentWing bat, and why Liz thinks bats are awesome.

 

You can find Dr Liz Reed on Twitter at… @LizReed_palaeo https://twitter.com/LizReed_palaeo

 

Liz’s extensive profile, with links to research papers and articles can be found at… https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/liz.reed

 

You can find host Michael Mills on Twitter at @heapsgood https://twitter.com/Heapsgood

 

For information on visiting the Naracoorte Caves in South Australia, head to… https://www.naracoortecaves.sa.gov.au/

 

And for more info on the Australian Mammal of the Year, head to… https://cosmosmagazine.com/nature/amoty/