The Story of the Ozark Cavefish

Ozark Cavefish are cave dwelling organisms that have no exposure to light.  For this reason, they lack pigment and no sense of sight (they have eyespots, but no optic nerve).  They play a key role in the delicate balance of cave ecosystems and are a biological indicator of aquatic health.   

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Aquatic cave organisms like Ozark Cavefish are vulnerable to factors that degrade the quality of groundwater.  Threats include pollution from livestock and poultry, septic tanks, and urban runoff (MDC, 2015).  Continued surveys of this sensitive organism may assist with the implementation of best management practices within our watershed.

Cave Springs Cave on IRWP property and Logan Springs Cave have been surveyed for Cavefish populations for many years. Data indicate a decreasing trend in population count over time dating back to the year 2000. Ozark Cavefish are a federally listed threatened species that can serve as an indicator of water quality.

*This data has been obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It should be noted that survey methodology and staff have changed over time which may impact the survey results. Limited information is available on how surveys have been conducted historically.