Digitization of the Croatian Biospeleological Society’s Collection

During almost three decades of activity, members of the Croatian Biospeleological Society (CBSS) have collected over 20,000 samples from more than 20 different groups of the Dinaric subterranean fauna. The CBSS Collection, by its scope and quality, is considered one of the most important collections of subterranean fauna on a global scale. The scientific significance of natural history collections lies in their ability to provide key insights into biodiversity and the dynamics of changes in ecosystems, as well as to encourage the education of future and the improvement of the knowledge of existing experts.

Due to the volunteer nature of the CBSS’s work, samples have been entered over the years using various methodologies, and some of the data is still not available in digital format. Although its scientific value is undeniable, the lack of easy use and sharing of the Collection’s data prevents it from reaching its full value, which is a key step in the protection of rare and endangered subterranean species and habitats.

The digitization process of the CBSS Collection, launched in mid-2023, received the support of the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth and the Foundation of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Read more about the project here.