As Grutas Bauxíticas da Serra do Piriá-PA

Abstract

This paper presents speleological, geological and biological data, collected the Grupo Espeleológico Paraense since 1983, in some unusual caves developed in bauxites from the Serra do Piriá region, NE of the Pará State, northem Brazil. Tlle caves were probably developed during the degradation ofthe bauxitic pro file. The last recognized episode of cave development is associated with the differential erosion and instability ofthe hill slope due to the downward pull of gravity. The caves are inhabited by several animal species, mainly bats and arthropods, all of which represent troglophiles or facultative cavernicoles. Various plants, also collected and identified, are found in the entrances of lhe caves. Previously unregistered archeological site at Toca do Rato and Piriá caves yielded various. artefacts, such as sharpened fragments and ceramic shards, and represent an important study site for the region. The valuable natural and cultural resources ofthe Piriá caves are currently threatened by the mining of the ferruginous lateritic levei in the surrounding area. The protection ofthe caves is a malter ofur.gency.