The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Caves are a rarity in Mississippi, but home to bats and other cave-dwellers important to healthy ecosystems. Scientific research starting in 2004 has lead to cataloging the area's plants and animals and mapping more than 200 feet of passages--including stalactites, flowstone and rim stone.

Scientists are removing non-native species such as cogongrass to allow native vegetation types to sustain healthy populations. Many of the plants are rare here, but found more readily in more northerly climates.

Plants

Some rare plants found at the Cat’s Den Cave Preserve:

• Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens): Evergreen ground cover; prefers evenly moist soil
• Three-birds orchid (Triphora trianthophora): Named for the three flowers typically borne on each plant. All plants in the same area typically bloom on the same day, with the flowers only lasting one day.
• Silky Camellia (Stewartia malacodendron): Small tree with showy three-inch white flowers
• American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Rare medicinal plant threatened by habitat destruction and over-harvesting
• Blue-needle palm (Rhapidophyllum hystrix): Small shrubby, trunkless fan palm; grows to 6 feet in height; threatened by commercial exploitation
• Wild ginger (Asarum canadense):Once used by Native Americans to flavor foods, but not related to present-day culinary ginger

Animals

• Cave Crickets 
• Bats
• 3-lined salamander
• Central newt
• Slimy salamander
• Bird-voiced tree frog
• Southern leopard frog
• Gray tree frog
• Ground skink
• Ringneck snake
• Western cottonmouth

Researchers reflect a variety of disciplines and institutions, including the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, University of Southern Mississippi and Mississippi State University. 

For more information on Cat's Den Cave, please contact Becky Stowe, Terrestrial Programs Manager.  

The Nature Conservancy
South Mississippi Conservation Program
10910 Highway 57, Suite C
Vancleave, MS  39565
(228) 591-1116

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

Read our guidelines on posting comments