CaveLife App

For the evaluation of the condition of a cave as well as a uniform recording of the German cave and groundwater fauna, an "App for (bio)speleological assessment" was developed with CaveLife. Through it, all required basic data on the examined objects and the animal groups (taxa) that can be determined by visual observation can be recorded on site. In the case of natural caves, an assessment according to the European Habitats Directive of habitat structures and habitat impairments can also be carried out.

The data flows into the "Biospeleological Register". It is a joint project of the German Speleological Federation (VdHK) and the Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Research (Landesverband für Höhlen- und Karstforschung Hessen e. V.). The aim is to bring together all zoological data recorded in Germany from caves, artificial cavities (e.g. mine tunnels, rock cellars) and groundwater-dependent ecosystems (e.g. springs) in one database under the leadership of the Department of Biospeleology of the VdHK. In addition, the parameters important for basic data collection and monitoring based on the European Habitats Directive regarding habitat type 8310 (caves not open to the public) are to be recorded.

The CaveLife app can be downloaded to computers, tablets or smartphones. It can be used offline for data recording in caves.

Lecture

Instruction

CaveLife app

Last updated: 30/03/2020

The use of the app is free of charge for any non-commercial use. Any further use requires the explicit written permission of the Department of Biospeleology of the Verband der deutschen Höhlen und Karstforscher e. V. (German Speleological Federation) and the Landesverband für Höhlen- und Karstforschung Hessen e. V. (Hesse Federation for Cave and Karst Science). All data collected is automatically transmitted by the app to the biospeleological database and can be evaluated for scientific purposes by the Department of Biospeleology. We reserve the right to share the data with nature conservation authorities, other public authorities and the respective cave registers for the purpose of environmental and cave protection and speleological documentation. The biospeleological database is located on the server infrastructure of the Department of Biospeleology and is not publicly accessible. By using the app you agree that all data collected within the app will be transferred, evaluated and stored according to the above mentioned project goals. The transmission of the data takes place exclusively in encrypted form (HTTPS / TLS). Every user has the right to retrieve / request the data reported by him at any time. For this purpose, the user is provided with appropriate links to various data formats after completion of the assessment. As the collected data will be evaluated and used for the purpose of environmental and cave protection in the long term, it is only possible to delete the data in exceptional cases. You have the right to change incorrect data at any time. In this case, please contact the Department of Biospeleology of the VdHK and the Landesverband für Höhlen- und Karstforschung Hessen e. V. directly.

Please only enter data into the app if you agree to the following conditions:
 

1. Liability for unsolicited sending of data
   We assume no liability for unsolicited data sent such as texts, images, films, sounds or other data.
2. Agreement to use the data sent
   By sending the data you agree to the transmission, storage, analysis and disclosure for the purpose of environmental protection, cave conservation and scientific purposes.
3. Liability for rights of third parties to data sent
   By sending the data you assure and guarantee that you are the exclusive owner (e.g. author) of the data sent. You also warrant that they are free from rights of third parties and that you can dispose of them without restriction.
4. Compensation for damages in the event of infringements of rights by third parties
   Insofar as claims are asserted by third parties with justification on account of the infringement of rights due to the redesign, shortening, duplication, evaluation or any other type of use of the data sent by you, you undertake to bear all claims for damages resulting therefrom.

The use of the app and the associated transfer of data is solely based on a voluntary basis.