Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge |
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 Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lawrence County, Missouri, United States |
| Nearest city | Springfield, MO |
| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Established | 1991 |
| Visitors | Closed to the public (in 2006) |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge |
The Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge is a special protected area in Lawrence County, Missouri. It covers about 40 acres (16 hectares) of land. This refuge was created in 1991 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Its main goal is to protect the endangered Ozark cavefish. The refuge is located about 20 miles (32 km) west of Springfield.
Contents
Protecting Rare Cave Animals
This wildlife refuge is home to some very unique animals that live in caves. The most important one is the Ozark cavefish, which is an endangered species. This means there are very few of them left in the world.
The Amazing Ozark Cavefish
The Ozark cavefish is a small, pale fish that lives only in dark caves. It has no eyes because it doesn't need them in the darkness. Instead, it uses other senses to find its way around and locate food. Protecting its home, Turnback Cave, is super important for its survival.
Gray Bats and Their Role
Another important animal living in Turnback Cave is the gray bat. These bats are also an endangered species. They play a vital role in the cave's ecosystem. Their droppings (bat poop) provide essential food and nutrients for many other cave creatures, including the Ozark cavefish. Without the bats, the cave's food chain would be broken.
Why the Refuge is Closed to Visitors
To keep these sensitive cave environments safe and undisturbed, the Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public. This helps protect the endangered Ozark cavefish, gray bats, and their delicate habitat from any harm or disruption. It ensures these rare animals can thrive without human interference.
