The Dinaric Karst is globally recognized as a hotspot of subterranean biodiversity. Nowhere else on Earth do caves harbor such a remarkable diversity of cave-adapted species, many of which are confined to extremely small areas—sometimes to a single cave or spring.
This makes them both extraordinary and irreplaceable.
Through the Guardians of the Karst project, I work together with a team of scientists and local partners to uncover this hidden biodiversity. We combine field exploration with modern tools like barcoding and environmental DNA to identify, document, and provide the evidence needed to protect subterranean biodiversity.
Every sample, every cave, every discovery brings us closer to understanding what exists beneath the surface.
Because conservation begins with knowing what exists.
And here, in the karst, so much is still waiting to be found.
