The Ozark Cavefish in Missouri

The Ozark cavefish, Amblyopsis rosoe, is a sensitive indicator of habitat and water quality. Similar to a canary in an underground mine, this species can provide an early warning of deteriorating water quality that may effect other species and humans. This small (about 2" long), pale, almost colorless, blind fish is found only in the caves of the Springfield Plateau of central North America. Sensory organs on the head, sides and tail assist them in moving around and locating food. Their diet includes microscopic plants (plankton), isopods, amphipods, crayfish and salamander larvae with some evidence that they feed directly on bat guano (wastes). Unfortunately, populations of the Ozark cavefish are declining. It is listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act, the same act thatt protects the American Bald Eagle, and is considered "endangered" in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Conservation is coordinating efforts to recover this species in Missouri. The best way to halt further decline in the numbers of the Ozark cavefish is to prevent habitat problems before they occur.

What can you do?

Fortunately, you can avoid problems with planning, and by following a few simple guidelines.

• Make sure your septic system is working properly.
  

• Dispose of chemicals and petroleum products safely,
  

• Properly dispose of all trash and other solid wastes

• Control animal waste run-off or leaking sewage lagoons.
  

• Use good soil conservation practices.
  

• Maintain forested areas adjacent to cave entrances and stream corridors to encourage wildlife use and provide a natural filter to improve water quality and trap run-off.
  

• Limit cave access.

  Cave Management Practices:

• Do not close or seal cave entrances.

  • Animals that use caves need unrestricted access. Organic material such as leaves and sticks, along with wastes and dead animals, are important sources of food t, cave species. Caves are energy poor systems: loss of the entrance cuts off access,. to food. Control access to caves with fencing or gates that allow wildlife to travel freely, but restrict human access.

   

• Maintain a forested corridor at the cave entrance.

  • Management guidelines for endangered wildlife suggest a minimum of 20 acres of forested area at the cave entrance. The massive root systems of trees help hold soil and assist in nutrient filtering. Surface vegetation slows surface runoff, allowing water to percolate into the soil and reduce siltation into streams, caves and sinkholes.

• Protect the watershed

  • The same natural process that creates caves (groundwater movement) can be the mechanism that destroys cave life. Water movement through the soil is much faster than most people realize and the filtering capacity is largely a myth. Protect water quality in the cave watershed by cautious handling of all chemicals (pesticides, petroleum products, sewage runoff) and by maintaining vegetative cover. Pollutants carried by water are a major threat to cave life.