The progress so far revealed a much higher diversity in these habitats, and the current compilation of a worldwide reference database on anchialine fauna will represent a relevant stepping-stone in the field. The database currently has about 120,000 records, and we expect it to reach 150,000 when completed.
In addition to the massive activity of compiling the database, for each group of species present in the dataset, multilocus phylogenies are being obtained, in order to address ecological and evolutionary questions on anchialine systems at the largest scale.
The socio-economic impact of these results are clearly visible in the implementation of protection strategies in the Global UNESCO Geopark in Lanzarote and the Chinijo Islands, which now uses as a mascot for merchandising a puppet of the endemic crab living in the anchialine systems of the island.
Particular emphasis has been placed in the dissemination of the results of ANCAVE, both to the general public and amongst research peers. The results were showcased in two international conference: the 24th International Conference of Subterranean Biology (Aveiro, Portugal), with one oral communication and a poster, as well the 4th International Symposium for Anchialine Ecosystems, organized by the researcher in Lanzarote, with nine communications. Additionally, the researcher has been invited to give seminars, sometimes as part of workshops, at the University of Basel (Switzerland), the University of Belfast (United Kingdom), Moscow State University (Russia), Federal University of Parana (Brazil), and University of the Azores (Portugal), where part of the results of the project were presented to colleagues, university students, and the general public.
