Over 40 new underground features discovered during international expedition on Cvrsnica

The week-long expedition, which combined scientific research and speleological exploration, brought together 21 speleologists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and England, all stationed at the “Srce Cvrsnice” base camp, located at an altitude of 1,810 meters.

According to the organising society, 19 speleological sites, mostly vertical shafts, were explored, and initial scouting revealed more than 40 new cave features.

Exploration teams mapped nearly two kilometers of previously uncharted underground passages, including three pits deeper than 100 meters.

The standout discovery of this year’s expedition is the Radetzky Pit, uncovered by an experienced Bulgarian team. At 126 meters deep and with over 400 meters of mapped channels, it is now the longest known cave system on Cvrsnica, with large sections still awaiting further exploration.

In addition to its rich underground landscapes, Cvrsnica captivated researchers with its geological, geomorphological, and biological diversity.

The expedition’s scientific segment focused on studying the geology, hydrology, microclimate, ecology, and biodiversity of eight caves and pits, nine karst springs, and several surface habitats.

Researchers also conducted sediment sampling, studied plankton in aquatic ecosystems, and produced detailed photo documentation. While Cvrsnica was the primary research site, studies also extended to Bukovica, Rosko Polje, and Suica, broadening the scope of the expedition’s findings.