Arkansas US. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Pedro Ardapple, who specializes in Ozark Highlands karst ecosystems, explores a private cave in Madison County to survey for hibernating bats. Ardapple responded to a call from property owner Dane Schumacher who is concerned about the welfare of cave-dwelling bats, which experts say are in decline due to both disturbance and disease.
Ozark Highlands U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Biologist On Call to Investigate Private Caves to Protect Hibernating Bats
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USFWS Ozark Highlands biologist Pedro Ardapple peers into a cave opening on private property in Madison County before climbing in.
Jacqueline Froelich / KUAF
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A narrow opening leads into the cave complex.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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Property owner Dane Schumacher prepares to crawl into the cave.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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The cave descent is a 10-foot vertical drop onto a steep slope leading to a deep underground stream bed.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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The cave opens into a long narrow canyon created over millennia by water.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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Mineralized water dripping down the cavern walls creates geologic “flowstone” structures.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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Ardapple (left) and Schumacher examine the cave canyon floor and search walls and crevices for hibernating bats as well as other cave species.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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Schumacher (forward) and Ardapple climb into the far end of the cave cavern.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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Rain drops constantly fall from the 30-foot high limestone cave ceiling.
J. Froelich / KUAF
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View of the cave entrance from deep within the narrow cavern reveals a sliver of blue light.
J. Froelich / KUAF
