Cave A Guano Cave, Die Hel, Groot Winterhoek

Trip Date: 2024-03-22

Cave A: 2024-03-22

This is the largest cave at the pool. (147m from entrance drip line to the back wall). The first third of the cave floor closest to the entrance is covered in drift wood. The last third of the cave floor is covered by a thick layer of mostly dry and dusty bat guano. On previous visits to the cave, this was a wet, glutinous goo.

Bats

Miniopterus and Rhinolphus roost in a little side passage on the north wall, and in two small chambers at the back of the cave. Rousettus roost in the ceiling of cave directly over the biggest pile of guano. There are fewer Rousettus than I remember.

Cave Walls

The northern wall of the cave next to the guano pile is full of large spiders. Approx. 5 per m²

Guano

I was surprised how little life was visible on the surface of the guano. The most abundant inset was a small flying bug with long antennae.

Water

The stream was full of life. A planarian, a small isopod I only saw in the photographs afterwards and many strong swimming Parameltia nigroculus.

הועלה ב-מרץ 28, 2024 05:59 אחה"צ על ידי peterswart