Cave Biodiversity of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
ABSTRACT:
Recognized as an important pathway between the east coast and the interior of the United States, much of the Cumberland Gap has been protected as part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA). CUGA also contains extensive karst habitats, including Gap Cave, one of the longest caves in Virginia. With the aim of better understanding the cave biodiversity of CUGA, we conducted biological surveys in park caves and compiled records of other animals from CUGA caves, including bat monitoring data extending back more than 35 years. Results of that work include: (1) collecting five new cave-obligate species (troglobionts) from CUGA caves, increasing the number of troglobionts known from CUGA from 11 to 16; (2) increasing the total records of troglobionts in CUGA caves from 17 to 39; (3) finding an undescribed isopod (now described as Lirceus zigleri) in the Gap Cave stream; (4) noting six species of bats, including two federally endangered species—Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis)—from CUGA caves; and (5) recognizing that Gap Cave once hosted one of the largest known populations of Indiana bats in Virginia. We present an annotated list of the animals found in the caves of the park. The caves of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park provide critical habitat to two groups of species with distinct conservation concerns: poorly known troglobionts that exhibit extreme endemicity and bats under threat from white-nose syndrome disease.
SIMPLE LANGUAGE SUMMARY:
The document summarizes a study on the cave biodiversity within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA), focusing on both species unique to the caves and those of conservation concern. Researchers found five new cave-obligate species, called troglobionts, increasing the number of these species in the park from 11 to 16. They also discovered an undescribed isopod, now called Lirceus zigleri, and monitored six bat species, including endangered ones like the Indiana bat and northern long-eared bat, which are threatened by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease affecting bat populations. CUGA caves, especially Gap Cave, serve as critical habitats for these bats and other rare species. Gap Cave, one of the longest caves in Virginia, is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting 10 unique species of troglobionts. The study highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect these species and their habitats from ongoing threats.
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