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Abstract
Cave definition is ambiguous, limited and depends on our personal perspective and knowledge about the subterranean systems and habitats. Speleological groups focus on several cavities such as caves, caverns, lava tubes and mines, which are all described as caves, despite their diverse origin, dimensions and environmental conditions. Classification systems have been proposed for all the subterranean habitats even though no single definition has been accepted. Nevertheless, there are basic categories that could guide us on fieldwork. The Pioneer Speleological Group of Sonora (G-PES, in Spanish) is a newly group dedicated to explore, study and conserve caves and others subterranean habitats, mainly in Sonora. Finding cavities in Sonora may seem, at first sight, rather difficult; however, the increasing collaboration between groups and associations, and development of new tools and specialized software strongly support the future search for new cavities. our pursuit for new cavities. For that reason, our main objectives are to publicize general characteristics of different subterranean habitats and learn the use including of GrottoCenter platform. GrottoCenter is a recent community database developed for and by cavers on a wiki-like system. This platform works with cavers contributions; however, anyone who has an Internet access can use it. The system allows to document and modify any cavity and search the "entries" entered by others. Until now, 22 cavities have been recorded in GrottoCenter, but we are looking for more. Great results are being provided by Sonoran explorers who are recording the biodiversity by different programs and we believe that their help could be a valuable resource to continue with search of cavities in Sonora.
Parent Publication
Keywords
forest restoration,
history,
climate,
soils,
vegetation,
geomorphology,
watersheds,
water quality,
water quantity,
fluvial ecosystems,
fish and invertebrate fauna,
riparian ecosystems
Citation
Calva, Omar; Ronzon, Clement J. M. 2022. GrottoCenter, searching for natural caves in the Sonoran Desert and beyond. In: Neary, D. G.; Gottfried, G. J., eds. Collaboration Now for the Future: IV Conference on the Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago. Proceedings RMRS-P-79. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 446-449.
