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Alabama Cavefish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs:

Question: Is Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge open to the public?

Answer: The 1,060-acre Refuge is open to the public. Key Cave itself is not open to the public due to potential for disturbance of federally endangered Alabama cavefish and gray bats.

Question: What is there to see and do at Key Cave NWR?

Answer: Hiking, hunting, wildlife observation, and wildlife photography are all activities that are available to the public at Key Cave NWR. .

Question: What endangered or threatened species are found at Key Cave NWR?

Answer: The Alabama cavefish and gray bat and their critical habitats are protected by Key Cave NWR.

Question: Why was there a need to purchase 1,060 acres to protect the cave?

Answer: Prior to purchase of Key Cave NWR, land use practices in the area included cotton, soybean, corn, and wheat production, requiring the use of many farm chemicals. The cave’s stream system is recharged through surface water run-off by numerous seeps and sink holes in the area. Purchase of the 1,060 acres and establishment of the refuge has resulted in the control of chemical use, thereby protecting a significant portion of the cave’s primary recharge area and providing the mechanism to increase water quality and habitat quality for the only known population of the Alabama cavefish.