A recent scientific study has revealed the presence of the rare and endangered blind cave shrimp, “Typhlocaris lethaea Parisi, 1920” in the karst groundwater of Benghazi, Libya, a century after its initial discovery.
Researchers from the Departments of Earth Sciences and Zoology at the Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi, in collaboration with the Epigeo Karst Research Center in Italy, published the findings of this study, which is the first of its kind in Libya.
The presence of this unique organism was documented in the cave waters of Al-Kuwayfiya area, expanding its known geographical range by approximately 9 kilometers east of Benghazi.
The study highlights the potential hydrological connections within the caves of Benghazi and emphasizes the exceptional value of the subterranean biodiversity within these caves, reflecting the importance of this diversity in environmental conservation efforts.
This study is part of an international cooperation agreement between the University of Benghazi and the Epigeo Karst Research Center, which aims to study caves and karst phenomena in northeastern Libya.
