From the Hebrew University of Jerusalem:
30 May, 2006Update: what was said on the newly discovered cave and its animal species at the press conference: here.Press Conference on New Species Revealed in Cave
A press conference to reveal details of new species of invertebrate animals discovered in Israel that have been unknown to science until now will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, May 31, at 9:30 a.m. in room 3602 of the Geography Department (building 6, Social Sciences Faculty) of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mt. Scopus campus.
The new species were revealed in a cave that was uncovered as a result of excavations in a quarry in the vicinity of Ramle [in Israel].
Scientists from the Hebrew University who examined the cave say they discovered there “a new and unique ecosystem,” including previously unknown aquatic and terrestrial species.
See also here.
New invertebrate species in Grand Canyon, USA, caves: here
Lebanon’s grotto among finalist in natural wonders of the world
Posted : Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:35:45 GMT
Author : DPA
Category : Nature (Environment)
Beirut - Lebanon’s Jeita Grotto was registered Tuesday among the 28 finalists for the seven natural wonders of the world, Lebanese media reported. “Every Lebanese should register this day in their diary and be proud,” said Nabil Haddad, head of Jeita’s support committee.
The Dead Sea and the United Arab Emirates’ Bu Tinah Shoals are among other finalists from the Middle East.
The Jeita Grotto is a compound of interconnected karstic limestone caves 18 kilometres north of Beirut near the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb.
The grotto consists of two separate caves. The lower cave was inhabited in prehistoric times but rediscovered in 1836.
It can be accessed by boat since its channels are an underground river which provides fresh drinking water for the capital.
The upper cave was discovered in 1958 by Lebanese speleologists. Tourists can walk through the tunnel and a series of walkways and watch the natural landscape.
The upper cave houses the world’s largest stalactite, composed of a series of chambers. The largest chamber has a maximum height of 120 metres.
The Swiss-based non-profit organization New7Wonders Foundation is to announce the new wonders of nature in 2011.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/278373,lebanons-grotto-among-finalist-in-natural-wonders-of-the-world.html
Comment by Administrator — July 21, 2009 @ 10:16 pm