SCUBA: Subterranean Critters – Understanding Biodiversity Aotearoa

04 August 2026 - 04 August 2026

Region(s): Wellington

Type(s): presentations

In this free talk, join Julia Kasper, Lead Curator Invertebrates at Te Papa, as she talks about subterranean ecosystems – some of the least explored habitats on Earth.

Globally, scientific knowledge of cave and groundwater invertebrates remains fragmentary, with most regions having only sporadic surveys or taxonomic treatments. Many cave systems host highly specialised faunal assemblages – troglobionts, stygofauna, and other obligate subterranean species – that often display extreme adaptations such as reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, or complete loss of eyes.

The Subterranean Critters: Understanding cave biodiversity in Aotearoa (SCUBA) project brings together the expertise of a wide range of researchers and cavers to better understand the biodiversity and ecology of faunal communities in caves in Aotearoa New Zealand. Novel sample collection, combined with reviews of the literature and presently available natural history collection holdings, will enable species discovery and improved understanding of the distribution and conservation status of cave taxa, as well as the abiotic factors that influence their distribution, ecology and abundance.

Long, slender antennae and legs

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Cave wētā use these adaptations for sensing, navigation and defence.

Rights: Jack Hoyte

Referencing Hub media

This seminar is part of the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust’s annual seminar series. This year, they are on the first Tuesday of the month, March – November, to celebrate 100 years of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush.

Ōtari 100: Celebrating 100 years of native plants, conservation, and community. 1926–2026.

Location: Tāne Whakapiripiri – Ōtari Visitors Centre, 150 Wilton Road, Wilton, Wellington

For more information: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/scuba-subterranean-critters-understanding-biodiversity-aotearoa/wellington.