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Alexander Cave Donated to The Nature Conservancy

Cave shelters federally endangered Gray bat nursery

Nashville, Tennessee— 27 January 2005 — A Perry County cave, which serves as a baby bat nursery, has been donated to The Nature Conservancy by a Florida businessman.

Alexander Cave, and the surrounding 210 acres, was originally part of a large timber company holding that was sold to M.C. Davis, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., last year.

"The Nature Conservancy has wanted to find way to protect Alexander Cave for years and we had been communicating with the previous landowner. When Mr. Davis asked them about any special places on the property, they told him about the cave and our interest," said Heather Garland, cave and karst director for The Nature Conservancy.

When Davis learned that the cave served as a summertime nursery for Gray bat pups, he contacted Garland. Gray bats are on the federally endangered species list and up to 30,000 have been known to use the cave in the summer.

"It is rewarding to join efforts with The Nature Conservancy, the state of Tennessee and local residents for long-term protection of a bat cave. Hopefully this successful effort will encourage others who own biologically unique places to consider placing them in long-term conservation," said Davis.

With Davis’ financial support, The Nature Conservancy plans to construct a gate across the entrance of the cave to give added protection to the Gray bats. The Conservancy may also work with the Heritage Division of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to have the site designated a State Natural Area.