The Classical Karst (sensu stricto) represents a complex hydro-geomorphological unit as well as one of the best-known karstic systems in the world. For this reason, it was selected as a model area both for applied research and for the conservation of its highly diverse subterranean fauna. With this paper, we aim to provide an overview of groundwater fauna in the phreatic zone of the Classical Karst aquifer, based on all published material along with new surveys, and search for patterns of species distribution within hydrogeological subunits, with a focus on the potential use of species as tracers of hydrological connections and groundwater flowpaths. The Classical Karst, with an area of approximately 750 km², and adjacent to alluvial and flysch areas provides habitats for 83 stygobionts (accompanied by 16 stygophiles) and is one of the richest hotspots for groundwater fauna across the globe. The rate of endemism within the area is very high (around 50%). Multivariate statistical analyses revealed the faunal turnover between hydrogeological subunits, as well as the effect of water flow regime. Our approach, using species turnover and the species indicator value, allowed us to recognise groups of indicator species, which can be considered as descriptors of aquifer type and habitat structure, as well as water flow regime and groundwater flowpaths.

中文翻译：

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古典岩溶的地下水动物区系：水文地质指标和描述符

古典喀斯特（sensu stricto）代表着复杂的水文-地貌学单元，也是世界上最著名的岩溶系统之一。因此，它被选作应用研究和保护其高度多样的地下动物区系的样板地区。本文旨在根据所有已发表的材料以及新的调查结果，对古典喀斯特含水层潜水区的地下水动物群进行概述，并寻找水文地质亚单位内物种分布的模式，重点在于潜力使用物种作为水文联系和地下水流径的示踪剂。古典岩溶，面积约750 km ²，毗邻冲积区和蝇sch地区，可提供83个鞘翅目动物的栖息地（伴有16个嗜血菌），是全球地下水动物最丰富的热点之一。该地区的地方性流行率很高（大约50％）。多元统计分析揭示了水文地质亚基之间的动物区系转换以及水流状况的影响。我们使用物种周转率和物种指标值的方法，使我们能够识别指标物种组，这些指标物种可以视为含水层类型和栖息地结构以及水流状况和地下水流路的描述。