Cave & Karst Science (ISSN 1356-191X)

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Contents of Cave & Karst Science 53(1)

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Cave and Karst Science (iv + 48pp) (PDF 17.5MB)        Individual articles may be available below

LOWE, David and John GUNN (eds.). (2026). Cave and Karst Science 53(1). Buxton: British Cave Research Association. ISSN 1356-191X. iv + 48pp, A4, with photos, maps and diagrams.
This issue has a cover date of 2026 (April) and was published in April 2026.

The Transactions of the British Cave Research Association.

The PDF files comprising this issue are at a high resolution and have been assembled using an RGB colour space. The single file containing the entire issue (see above) is at a lower quality, suitable for screen-reading.

Front Cover Photo (page i) (PDF 3.1MB)     

by Elena BUDURAN.
The Front Cover photograph shows Manbhalang Wann examining the skull of a Himalayan Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) that was found, together with a partial skeleton, at the base of the second pitch of Swiftlet Pot (Krem Lanshat), in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. Tragically, 'Man' passed away in 2016. He had a deep interest in caves and was an active member of the Caving in the Abode of the Clouds expeditions. His enthusiasm and good company are sorely missed by all who knew him. The Serow-remains are featured in an article in this Issue, describing mammals in Meghalayan caves; the cave also yielded the skull of a juvenile macaque. Abundant Himalayan Swiftlets (Aerodramus brevirostris), which utilize the cave for roosting and nesting, prompted the naming of the cave. Such colonies appear to be uncommon in India, and this site is the only swiftlet colony that has been recognized with certainty within Meghalaya. (Photo: Elena Buduran).

 

Notes for contributors (page ii) (PDF 814KB)     

 

Contents (p1) (PDF 1.1MB)     

 

Editorial (p2) (PDF 780KB)     

by David LOWE and John GUNN.

 

An evaluation of evidence for utilization of cave habitats by terrestrial mammals in Meghalaya, northeast India (pp3-12) (PDF 9.2MB)     

by Uttam SAIKIA, Manuel RUEDI, Thomas ARBENZ, Oana CHACHULA, D Khlur B MUKHIM, Brian D KHARPRAN-DALY and Dan HARRIES.
Based on evidence collected over the last three decades of speleological explorations in Meghalaya, the present study evaluates records of terrestrial mammals (i.e. non-bats) from within Meghalayan caves. Specifically, it looks for evidence of a distinct cavernicolous association. Such associations are likely to be linked to species accessing resources offered by caves in terms of refuge or shelter, access to water or opportunities for foraging. Over 100 records covering about 80 separate caves were collated and evaluated to distinguish evidence of presence due to direct cave association from mere accidental presence (e.g. carcasses washed in on floods). A rat species (Leopoldamys edwardsi) was found to have a very close association with caves with evidence of nesting and feeding underground. Porcupines also utilize the caves regularly and we assume that they do so primarily for shelter and predator avoidance. The disproportionate frequency of occurrence of primate skeletal remains within caves suggests that their presence is not due purely to chance. We speculate that the steep rock in and around cave entrances may be used by primates as a refuge from ground-based predators and increase their vulnerability to entrapment within the caves. Other evidence suggests that various carnivorous mammals (including cats, civets and mongooses) occasionally enter caves presumably for the purpose of hunting. Besides being attracted by the prey available at bat colonies they may also gain access to aquatic prey in the pools and streams of the caves.
Classification: Paper.

Bibliograph: SAIKIA, Uttam; Manuel RUEDI, Thomas ARBENZ, Oana CHACHULA, D Khlur B MUKHIM, Brian D KHARPRAN-DALY and Dan HARRIES. (2026). An evaluation of evidence for utilization of cave habitats by terrestrial mammals in Meghalaya, northeast India. Cave and Karst Science 53(1), (pp3-12).

 

On-line Supplement (PDF) to: An evaluation of evidence for utilization of cave habitats by terrestrial mammals in Meghalaya, northeast India (pp S1-S32) (PDF 64.0MB)     

Online supplement to above paper.

 

Caves and karst of southwestern Sarawak – Geonotes (pp13-23) (PDF 21.5MB)     

by Martin LAVERTY.
The karst geomorphology of southwestern Sarawak is spectacular and varied, but little studied. This paper summarizes the geology; revives some historical geomorphology; and suggests some areas that lack adequate data and mapping for other than superficial geomorphological analysis. The first reported occurrence of speleothem-hosted photokarren is noted. Current data are provided as supplementary files for use in Geographic Information Systems, together with a viewer and notes on how they might be used and improved.
Classification: Paper.

Bibliograph: LAVERTY, Martin. (2026). Caves and karst of southwestern Sarawak – Geonotes. Cave and Karst Science 53(1), (pp13-23).

 

The 'Sulfur Caves – Epirus 2025' Speleological Expedition in the Vikos–Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark (pp24-30) (PDF 6.8MB)     

by Georgios LAZARIDIS, Despoina DORA, Konstantinos STAMOULIS, Ioannis KAISAS, Manolis DIAMANTOPOULOS, Andrea BENASSI, Xenia GEORGOPOULOU, Panagiotis PAPADAKOS, Prodromos KOULELIS, Kostas OIKONOMEAS, Sotiris KOUNTOURAS, Tonia LAZOPOULOU, Kostas NIAMOURIS, Giorgos PARSALIDIS, Sofia DROSOU, Irinna CHASSIOTI, Katerina LAGOUDI, Konstantinos VASILEIOU, Nikos SEMALTIANOS, Thodoros PAPAPOSTOLOU, Tasos POLYCHRONIADIS, Anastasia IOANNOU, Stylianos TOUFEXIS, Christos STERGIOU and Haritakis PAPAIOANNOU.
The 'Sulfur Caves – Epirus 2025' expedition represents a coordinated multidisciplinary investigation of sulphuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) caves in the Sarantaporos River region, within the Vikos–Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGP). Organized by the School of Geology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the expedition was part of a memorandum of collaboration with the Vikos–Aoos UGGP. Studies were directed towards the observation and documentation of speleogenetic, geochemical, and environmental processes in caves influenced by hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and sulphuric acid corrosion. Through systematic exploration, surface and subsurface surveys, atmospheric monitoring, and sampling, the team documented several cave systems and identified three principal levels of development guided structurally by anticlines. Advanced 3D modelling, microclimate measurements, and microbial and mineral sampling were integrated with the installation of long-term monitoring stations. The expedition also emphasized education, safety, and public engagement, involving students and local stakeholders. The findings highlight the rarity and scientific value of SAS systems in northwestern Greece and establish a foundation for continued research, conservation, and geotourism development in the region.
Classification: Report.

Bibliograph: LAZARIDIS, Georgios; Despoina DORA, Konstantinos STAMOULIS, Ioannis KAISAS, Manolis DIAMANTOPOULOS, Andrea BENASSI, Xenia GEORGOPOULOU, Panagiotis PAPADAKOS, Prodromos KOULELIS, Kostas OIKONOMEAS, Sotiris KOUNTOURAS, Tonia LAZOPOULOU, Kostas NIAMOURIS, Giorgos PARSALIDIS, Sofia DROSOU, Irinna CHASSIOTI, Katerina LAGOUDI, Konstantinos VASILEIOU, Nikos SEMALTIANOS, Thodoros PAPAPOSTOLOU, Tasos POLYCHRONIADIS, Anastasia IOANNOU, Stylianos TOUFEXIS, Christos STERGIOU and Haritakis PAPAIOANNOU. (2026). The 'Sulfur Caves – Epirus 2025' Speleological Expedition in the Vikos–Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark. Cave and Karst Science 53(1), (pp24-30).

 

Morphology, hydrochemistry and genesis of water pits in quartzite sandstones of northeastern Thailand (pp31-44) (PDF 34.7MB)     

by Liviu VALENAS, Christine VIEHWEGER, Stephanie GIMMLER and Johanna LÖBEL.
The water pits of northeastern Thailand are typical karst phenomena on sandstones in this part of the Country, where they play an important role as local water supplies and contribute to the ecological balances of their areas of occurrence. They comprise vertical tubes, commonly 1–5 m deep, some of which have not yet been measured precisely, but appear far deeper. As a step towards explaining their genesis, some precise measurements of their depth and shape have been carried out; additionally, stagnant waters from these natural tubes have been subjected to chemical analysis. They appear to have no connection with the groundwater table but are formed and fed exclusively by rainwater during the wet monsoon season. Their formation is the result of four factors. The primary factor is the process of quartz sandstone arenization, whereas secondary factors are calcium carbonate dissolution within the sandstones, mechanical erosion processes, and biocorrosion related to vegetation and animal activities. A graphic model of the main factors that formed these natural water-filled tubes is presented for the first time.
Classification: Paper.

Bibliograph: VALENAS, Liviu; Christine VIEHWEGER, Stephanie GIMMLER and Johanna LÖBEL. (2026). Morphology, hydrochemistry and genesis of water pits in quartzite sandstones of northeastern Thailand. Cave and Karst Science 53(1), (pp31-44).

 

Details of submission options for Cave and Karst Science: a reminder (p45) (PDF 879KB)     

by David LOWE and John GUNN.
Classification: Forum.

 

Notes for Authors: Things we all forget (sometimes) (p46) (PDF 1.0MB)     

by Stephen K DONOVAN.
Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, sometimes in print, yet it is by publication that our observations and ideas reach the widest audience. The possibility that you might have made an error is of little consequence. If it occurs in a journal paper, publish a correction in a subsequent issue. If an error occurs in a book, your mistake can be corrected online. Whatever, publish and move on. The important thing is for you to report your data for the widest readership.
Classification: Forum.

 

Book Review — Steven Birch and Jo McKenzie (2025). High Pasture Cave: Ritual, Memory, and Identity in the Iron Age of Skye (p47) (PDF 2.2MB)     

by Andrew CHAMBERLAIN.
Classification: Forum.

 

Book Review — Ian Jackson (2025). Defined by Stones: 50 extraordinary places that connect our prehistoric ancestors to northern landscapes (p48) (PDF 1.6MB)     

by David LOWE.
Classification: Forum.

 

Research Funds and Grants (page iii) (PDF 797KB)     

 

Back Cover Photos (page iv) (PDF 5.5MB)     

by Sotiris KOUNTOURAS.
The six images comprising the Rear Cover collage, relate to this Issue's Report on the 'Sulfur Caves – Epirus 2025' Speleological Expedition, which took place in the Vikos–Aoos UNESCO Global Geopark of northern Greece. These photographs illustrate some of the representative features of sulphuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) cave morphology and other morphologies that were observed and recorded during exploration and study of the Sarantaporos Cave System.