Threats to Subterranean Species

Vandalism like graffiti disturbs hibernating bats or nursery colonies where females raise young bats. © G.O. Graening

Since cave animals live much longer than their surface counterparts, they have a longer time to accumulate toxins in their bodies, such as heavy metals. Because many cave animals are found in very small numbers and in very few caves, any loss of habitat can mean the extinction of that species. Many cave animals rely upon a permanent flow of water through the caves that comes from rain-as cities and industry expand, more land surface is paved, blocking rainwater from entering the cave streams.

Common threats faced by subterranean species include:

• Deforestation: This reduces forage area for bats and other species that leave the cave, such as crickets. Deforestation also increases sedimentation in cave streams affecting aquatic species and reduces the inflow of organic debris that support many terrestrial cave species.
   
• Development: Runoff from roads, the use of lawn care products, failing septic systems and sewage plants introduce toxins as well as nutrients that can unbalance species composition. Also in many cases sinkholes (critical for organic input) are filled in and cave entrances are blasted shut.
   
• Vandalism/Visitation: Outright vandalism (trash, graffiti, bat kills), and visitation at inappropriate times can disturb hibernating bats or nursery colonies where females raise young bats.