When human waste wreaks havoc in the ancient ecosystem of the Carlsbad Caves

Science-et-vie.com

When human waste wreaks havoc in the ancient ecosystem of the Carlsbad Caves

Subterranean ecosystems, isolated and often unknown, are extremely fragile environments. Their balance is based on complex interactions between organisms adapted to these particular environments. Caves, like those in Carlsbad Caves National Park in New Mexico, are home to rare and sensitive species that evolve under specific humidity and temperature conditions. However, these ecosystems are vulnerable to the smallest external disturbances. Recen…