Applying a new methodology for cave degradation assessment in Romania - case study on Rodna Mountains National Park

摘要

Cave degradation assessment in Romania might be a challenge due to the variety of harmful anthropic activities: mineral resources exploitation, unsupervised tourism, road network development, abusive deforestation, etc. The present study proposes a new methodology for cave degradation assessment. The methodology combines caves intrinsic characteristics with GIS supraterranean features processing of the cave area. Applying the method on a group of 5 caves located in Rodna Mountains National Park, we managed to separate those in a natural state from those having a degraded ecosystem. Identifying degraded cave ecosystems is necessary for taking future ecological restauration and conservation measures, carried out by natural parks administrations