(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SHRIMP, CAVE and KENTUCKY
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Aquatic Crustaceans
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ARTHROPODA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - CRUSTACEA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - DECAPODA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - ATYIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PALAEMONIAS,
SPECIES AND SSP - GANTERI,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - PALAEMONIAS GANTERI
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Kentucky Cave Shrimp
Palaemonias ganteri Hay, 1901
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Crustacean
PHYLUM: Arthropoda CLASS: Crustacea
ORDER: Decapoda FAMILY: Atyidae
The Kentucky cave shrimp is a small freshwater decapod crustacean
in the family Atyidae. The species is characterized by rudimentary
eyestalks lacking facets or pigmentation, subequal first and second
chelae and terminal tufts of setae on each of the chelae. Palaemonias
ganteri Hay is distinguished from its closet realative P. alabamae
Smalley, the Alabama cave shrimp, by having more than 15 dorsal teeth
on the rostrum and more than 15 spinelike setae on the appendix
masculina (01). Hatchlings are approximately 3 mm total length and
may reach an adult size of up to 30 mm (02). The species was first
described by W.P. Hay (03) on the basis of 12 individuals collected
from the Roaring River passage of Mammoth Cave in August 1901. These
specimens are deposited in the National Museum of Natural History
(Smithsonian Institution) under catalog numbers of the U.S. National
Museum (USNM 27000). Hay (04) later described the habitat of the type
locality and elaborated on the species description. A review of
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
collections, sightings, depositories of specimens and localities known
to contain shrimp in the past is available in Holsinger and Leitheuser
(05,06) and Leitheuser (07). Additional references to taxonomy and
species identification are available in: (08,09,10,11,12,13,14,15,16).
Drawings may be found in: (03,04,09,15). Photographs are available
in: (17,18).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Kentucky; Federal Endangered
Kentucky; State Recognized
E: Federal Endangered
Non-consumptive recreational
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) has been
designated an Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the State of Kentucky. Critical Habitat is designated in
Edmonson County, KY (50 CFR 17.95(h)).
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Kentucky
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife
Resources
STATE STATUTE: Kentucky Revised Statutes 150.010; 310 Kentucky
Annotated Rule 3:030
The Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission has determined this
species to be Endangered in KY (36). That designation, however,
carries no legal protection.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
There is no known negative economic value for the Kentucky cave
shrimp. Since this species is found within a National Park it may
have some nonconsumptive recreational value to the visiting public.
75/04/28:40 FR 18476/18477 - Review of status; Crustaceans
77/01/12:42 FR 02507/02525 - Proposed Endangered
79/12/10:44 FR 70796/70797 - Withdrawal of expired proposals
80/03/28:45 FR 20502/20503 - Advance notice of reproposal as Endang
80/10/17:45 FR 68975/68978 - Proposed Endangered with Critical Habitat
83/06/08:48 FR 26488/26489 - Notice of public hearing and comments
83/08/08:48 FR 36062/36069 - Amended procedures to comply with ESA
83/10/12:48 FR 46337/46342 - Listing; Endangered with Critical Habitat
84/08/17:49 FR 32911/ - Republication of list
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Transportation, communications, and Util
Cropland and Pasture
Confined Feeding Operations
Deciduous Forest Land
Streams and Canals
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial
Palustrine OW0
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The areas inhabitated by the Kentucky cave shrimp are typically
large base level cave passages and associated tributaries
characterized by slow flow, abundant quantities of organic matter and
coarse to fine grain sand and coarse silt sediments. Shrimp are also
found in some of the large overflow passages between drainage basins
(e.g., Roaring River, which is a low level overflow route from the
Turnhole Spring Groundwater Basin to the Echo Spring Groundwater
Basin), populations at these locations are often small due to the
fortuitous distribution caused by fast flow during flood events. The
type locality, an area now referred to as the Shrimp Pools (39), is
indicative of numerous pools left by receding flood waters which
contain an inconsistent or even occasionally non-existent shrimp
population. Flood pools contain shrimp which have been washed out of
their primary habitat during flooding events (06,18).
Virtually any base level cave stream in the cave systems of the
Mammoth Cave NP region is suitable potential habitat for the shrimp.
The interconnected passages are sometimes complex and difficult to
study. Many are as yet undiscovered or unexplored. However, passages
with base level cave streams may be expected to contain shrimp if they
are whithin a groundwater basin known to contain the species. The
most likely place to locate the species is at the pooled water level
which corresponds with low or base levels in the Green River (06).
Shrimp have been located as high as 35 to 40 feet above this level in
passages which are directly connected to known habitat with water
levels corresponding to base level Green River conditions (21). It
would be reasonable to expect that this would hold true for passages
up to 50 or 60 feet above the Green River. These passages are
freely connected with known available habitat during major flooding
events. The Green River may rise up to 50 or 60 feet during these
events (19).
Input of organics to the cave streams is primarily through
surface runoff during flooding events and occurs during periods of
high rainfall and maximum soil saturation (18,21,22). Reversal of
flow at springs on the Green River provides nutrient input to
localized areas of the cave system and may be important to some
populations (02,06).
A relatively complex and poorly studied community consisting of
bacteria, protozoans and minute crustaceans proliferate on the
detritus and provide the basis of the food chain. These organisms, as
Habitat Associations - 1 well as stream interstitial meiofauna, are primarily the result of the
organisms being washed into the cave system through rainfall, flooding
events and normal drainage patterns in the area. The stream
interstitial meiofauna and related communities are known to be
sufficient in density to support populations of grazers, including
shrimp, at all times of the year, even up to several months after the
last flooding or rainfall event of significant magnitude to greatly
affect input of organisms (21,22). The shrimp feed on these organisms
by grazing on the surface layers of the sediment.
Additional information is available on the habitat
characteristics of specific localities in: (02,05,06,18,22,21).
The land use and cover associations for land within the
groundwater basins known to contain shrimp consist primarily of
cropland, pasture, confined feeding operations and other agricultural
operations for lands located outside of the National Park. Several
significant streams occur on the same lands, all of which ultimately
drain into the cave systems through sinking streams, ponors (=a steep-
sided sinkhole), sinkholes and other geologic features (24,25,26,28).
Land use and land cover associations within Mammoth Cave National Park
consist primarily of a deciduous forest of mixed hardwoods of oak and
hickory, and evergreen stands of shortleaf pine and red cedar
(juniper). Historically, chestnut was also present in the area,
however, these were lost to disease (blight). The forest includes all
stages of growth with the exception of old growth stands. Most of the
park area was logged prior to the land being established as a National
Park between 1939 and 1941. Several areas are now approaching an old
growth stand status. In addition, several significant streams occur
on the same lands, most of which ultimately drain directly into the
cave systems through sinking streams, ponors, sinkholes and other
geologic features (24,25,26,28).
Agricultural practices on land within groundwater basins known
to contain shrimp include cropland in corn, soybeans, tobacco, summer
fallow and hay, pasture land for both cattle and horses, and confined
pig lots and feeding operations.
Several nearby communities either have inadequate sewage
treatment facilities or lack such facilities altogether (23). This
results in the potential for contaminated groundwater to enter the
cave system of Mammoth Cave National Park, including the primary
habitat of the shrimp (24,25,26). An additional potential threat is
the entry of contaminants from traffic accidents, roadside businesses,
and train derailments.
Specific environmental parameters required by the Kentucky cave
shrimp are relatively unknown. A general paucity of information
exists regarding environmental parameters and water quality in the
Mammoth Cave National Park region (19,30). Data for several specific
localities containing populations of the species have been collected
by Leitheuser (21). In addition, specific conductivity, disolved
oxygen, water temperatures, water level and precipitation data are
available for several areas, some of which include or are immediately
adjacent to known shrimp habitat (21,38).
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
OMNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Detritus
General Bacteria
General Diatoms
General Myxomycophyta
General Crustaceans
General Worms
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G Terrestrial Features: Caves, wet
G Terrestrial Features: Caves, dry
G Terrestrial Features: Depressions
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The Kentucky cave shrimp is a non-selective grazer. Study of
fecal pellets (02) indicats the presence of sand grains, generally
amorphous mucus or other cementing material which may be either
sedimentary or microbial in nature, exoskeletons of protozoans,
insects and other unidentified organisms, fungal hyphae and spores,
algal cells and miscellaneous other unidentified material. A
reletively complex and poorly studied community consisting of
bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and minute crustaceans proliferate on the
detritus and are found throughout the stream sediments in caves of the
Mammoth Cave National Park region. The shrimp feed on these organisms
by grazing on the surface layers of sediment. Terminal tufts of setae
on the chelae trap microorganisms and other food items, along with
some sediment, which are all moved towards the mouth parts where they
are scraped off and ingested.
Attempts to determine the feeding preferences of the shrimp
showed the importance of microfauna and meiofauna to both the ecology
of the shrimp and to the entire aquatic cave community in the Mammoth
Cave National Park region. Investigations of bacteria show
quantitative and qualitative differences among habitats (22,30).
Investigations on stream interstitial meiofaunal communities have
revealed an assembladge of nematodes, oligochaetes, rotifers,
ostracods, copepods, midge larvae, tardigrades and possibly zoea in
cave stream sediments (22,30). Preliminary analysis of cave stream
sediments has also yielded numbers of diatoms (22). In some samples,
diatoms alone were sufficient to support small populations of grazers
(21). Fungi are virtually unstudied in cave streams.
Since a relatively complex and varied community exists which may
be utilized by grazers it has been hypothesized that the shrimp, being
nonselective and blind, ingest all of these organisms as food items.
It is now excepted that the base of the food chain in cave streams is
more complex than previously realized. However, not only are the
shrimp, and several other organisms, dependent upon this community for
a food supply but the entire base of the food chain is highly
susceptable to perterbations (22,30).
A review of shrimp preferences and studies on bacteria and
meiofauna are available in: (02,06,18,22,21).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The Kentucky cave shrimp is not territorial nor does it have a
"home range" in the traditional sense of the word.
PERIODICITY:
The species exhibits no periodicity.
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The Kentucky cave shrimp is nonmigratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
The Kentucky cave shrimp has no cover or shelter requirements
within its habitat. This habitat, located within cave systems, is a
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
relatively simple ecosystem lacking light. The shrimp are well
adapted to the environment and have no need to shelter from predators
since other mechanisms to avoid predation have evolved in response to
the unique environment (18). Shrimp require deeper pools, as oppossed
to very shallow riffles, where the stream currents are minimal (18).
As long as base level cave streams with slow to moderate flow are
available the shrimp will have suitable habitat, at least in terms of
depth, flow, cover and shelter. The shrimp are free swimming and
unable to utilize cover, such as rocks on the stream bottom.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Although ovigerous females have been sighted throughout the year
(02,05,06,18) no shrimp have been observed mating. Specific
reproductive habitat requirements are unknown. However, it may be
assumed that reproductive site requirements are the same as habitat
requirements since little variation in habitat is available and the
species does not migrate to any extent. The only possiblity in terms
of specific reproductive site requirements are in terms of
microhabitat (19). Cave streams known to contain shrimp are very
similar to each other and are a representation of the hydrology and
geology of the area. Different groundwater basins containing shrimp
are almost exact replicates of each other in many regards (19,21).
The shrimp freely swim among a variety of microhabitat types,
including for example, sand, silt, exposed limestone and chert (21).
This holds true for all size classes, sexes and stages of reproductive
development. Reproductive behavoir is unknown.
The habitat of areas known to contain shrimp with oocytes or
attached ova are typically base level cave passages and associated
tributaries characterized by slow flowing streams, abundant quantities
of organic matter, coarse to fine grain sand and coarse silt sediments
(02,06,18,22,30). Shrimp are usually found in pooled water areas and
seldom in shallow riffles (18). Pools left by receding flood waters
may contain shrimp which have been washed out of their primary habitat
during flooding events (05,06). Virtually any base level cave stream
in the cave systems of the Mammoth Cave National Park region is
suitable potential habitat for the shrimp and, therefore, a potential
reproductive site. Hatchling size shrimp and juveniles of all sizes
have been sighted in most known shrimp habitat (21).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Kentucky cave shrimp hatch from oblong eggs, approximately 1.0
by 1.2 mm, which are carried by mature females under the abdomen (21).
Up to 33 eggs have been counted from a single female shrimp (21).
Unfortunately, since the eggs may hatch at varying times from the same
clutch, the average fecundity is still undetermined. It is not
unusual to observe female shrimp carrying only a few eggs at a time
(21). This may be the result of previous hatching of other eggs.
Larval development is completely unknown.
Age at sexual maturity and both minimum and maximun breeding ages
are unknown. Mature females carrying oocytes or ova range in size
from 18 mm to 26 mm total length. Although the maximum observed size
for the species is 30 mm total length, individuals in excess of 25 mm
total length are uncommon. Growth is relatively slow. Aquarium
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
studies have resulted in life span estimates of 10 to 15 years (02).
Additional information on growth and life span are presented in the
population biology section.
Shrimp with oocytes or attached ova have been sighted at all
times of the year (02,21). It is probable that reproduction occurs
continuously rather than seasonally (19,21), however, some evidence
exists to suggest seasonal reproduction subsequent to flooding events
(02,06,18). These flooding events are thought to bring additional
food supplies which "trigger" reproduction.
Oocytes may be resorbed during periods of low food availability
and later develop as conditions improve (02,21). There is some
evidence to indicate that a single female is capable of reproducing
more than one time (21). On the other hand, one aquarium specimen
partially resorbed oocytes which were still clearly visible over one
year from the date of capture. This suggests that the shrimp is
capable of retaining a viable reproductive status for very long
periods of time in anticipation of an improvement in conditions (e.g.,
adequate food supply) to insure survival of the young, or to await
fertilization by the male.
Female shrimp which are at some stage of reproductive development
(i.e., either with oocytes or ova present) account for approximately
28 percent of the individuals in some populations (21). Not all
populations have been evaluated for this same data.
PARENTAL CARE:
The Kentucky cave shrimp exhibits no parental care. Eggs are
carried under the abdomen of the adult female until ready for
hatching. Not all eggs hatch concurrently. The hatchling shrimp are
approximately 3 mm total length and free swimming. Virtually nothing
is known of their early life stages. Available information is
presented in: (02,06).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Organic input to the cave ecosystem is through sinking streams,
sinkholes, ponors and other geological features on the surface. The
primary input is during flooding events, which are a result of heavy
rainfall, and occur at irregular periods throughout the year. Also,
bacteria, microfauna and meiofauna are transported into the system
through the same means, forming the base of the food web. Shrimp are
grazers and feed upon these organisms by scraping the surface of the
cave stream sediments. The food supply is therefore limited and
dependent on natural phenomena. However, this food supply is highly
susceptible to perterbations (21,22).
No data has been obtained on interspecific or intraspecific
competition. No data has been obtained on the survival rate,
mortality rate, turnover rate, or the rate of increase of shrimp.
An indirect value of fecundity may be obtained through data
accumulated on ovigerous females. The number of eggs carried by an
ovigerous female may range as high as approximately 30 eggs. Although
numerous females have been observed to carry eggs and these have been
counted or counts estimated, it is difficult to establish a norm for
the number carried. The problem lies in the tendency for hatching to
occur over some unknown period of time. During this period,
Life History - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
hatchlings leave the female once they are ready. It is possible to
observe ovigerous females carrying from one to 30 eggs, and rarely
more. Even the same female may be observed to have successively fewer
eggs over the same period of observations. All data is unpublished
(21).
The number of females in the population observed to carry oocytes
or ova is highly variable. Based upon a collection of data over a
one year period (June 1984 to May 1985) the number of females with
oocytes was 11.5 to 12.1 percent while the number with ova was 15.5
percent. The total number of females known to carry oocytes and/or
ova over this period of time was 27.0 to 27.6 percent for the entire
population observed. All data are unpublished (21).
It is not known whether the species is capable of reproducing
more than once, although this is assumed. There is some data to
indicate that females may reproduce more or less continuously (21).
The actual sex ratio of shrimp populations is unknown. In order
to determine sex of an individual it is necessary to examine the
shrimp under a microscope, unless distinguishing characteristics such
as oocytes or ova are present. Determination of sex ratios of natural
populations may be possible through the use of various anaesthetics to
slow metabolic rates (02). This has not been attempted due to
logistical problems associated with in situ observations of
anaesthesized shrimp.
Data on the periodicity of ecdysis are very tentative. It
appears that the shrimp molts on the average of once every 40 to 50
days (02). Unfortunately, data was obtained for only a few
individuals of various sizes maintained in aquaria. Several problems
with this data should be pointed out. First, there is some
possibility that aquaria were not provided with sufficient food
material to maximize growth rates. In other words, the food supply
may have been limiting. Second, data was obtained for several
individuals with a range in size from approximately 8 mm to 26 mm
total lengths. Periodicity of ecdysis may be size dependent and would
vary from one size class to another. For example, smaller individuals
may molt more frequently than larger individuals. Growth is
relatively slow. Aquarium studies have resulted in life span
estimates of 10 to 15 years (02).
Localities from which shrimp have been collected, observed or
reported have not been mapped with sufficient precision to allow the
direct calculation of population densities. It is possible to
estimate relative population densities over a section of passage known
to contain shrimp. The resulting "population density estimate" is
based upon only one dimension, that of length of passage. Population
density had been reported (02,06) to vary from 0.002 shrimp/ft to
0.200 shrimp/ft. It has also been noted that population densities
appear to vary over time in each specific locality (02). For example,
one locality varies from a density of 0.022 shrimp/ft to 0.148 shrimp/
ft (02). The passages which this data was obtained were approximately
3 to 12 feet wide and 1 to 3 feet deep (21).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Rainbow trout are an introduced species in the Green River Basin
(34,35) and are regularly stocked seven times a year at two loclities
Life History - 4 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
in the vicinity of Mammoth Cave NP (18). There is some evidence to
indicate that trout may have successfully adapted to taking refuge in
the cold subterranean waters in the Mammoth Cave NP area utilizing
cave fauna, including shrimp, as a food source (18,21). It is quite
possible that a few established trout may significantly alter the size
of shrimp populations and create a serious management problem for the
species (18,21).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 5 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Road Maintainance Actions
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Exotic Vertebrates
Adverse Spelunking
Existing Spelunking
Adverse Food Supply Reduction
Existing Food Supply Reduction
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Predation
Existing Predation
Adverse Oil Spills
Existing Oil Spills
Adverse Gas/Oil Development
Existing Gas/Oil Development
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Recreational development
Existing Recreational development
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Strip mining
Existing Strip mining
Adverse Flooding
Existing Flooding
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Migration barriers
Existing Migration barriers
Adverse Applying fertilizers
Existing Applying fertilizers
Adverse Applying herbicides
Existing Applying herbicides
Adverse Applying pesticides
Existing Applying pesticides
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The shrimp is threatened by contamination of the groundwater flow
to its habitat. Several nearby communities either have inadequate
sewage treatment facilities or lack such facilities altogether (23).
This results in the potential for contaminated groundwater to enter
the cave system of Mammoth Cave National Park, including the primary
habitat of the shrimp (24,25,26). An additional potential threat is
the entry of contaminants from traffic accidents, roadside businesses,
and train derailments. One incident in 1979 caused the death of
aquatic cave organisms in a part of the Mammoth Cave system (27). In
a 1980 incident, a truck carrying cyanide salts overturned on
Interstate Highway 65, just south of Mammoth Cave National Park.
Instances such as this example, at the very least, may reduce the food
supply of this species.
The primary drainage in the region is through the extensive and
interconnected cave system which extends over a wide expanse of
geographic area (24,25,26,29). Potentially harmful substances
entering from the surface are almost immediately transported into the
cave system (22,24,26,30). Depending upon conditions at the time of
the spill residence time of these substances may range between several
hours to two or three weeks. These substances eventually flow through
the system to the Green River (31,32).
The McCoy Blue Spring, Suds Spring and part of the Mile 205.7
Spring Groundwater Basins are located in oil fields where oil and
natural gas wells are still being drilled. Brine from the wells is
commonly washed into a convenient sinkhole or into the Green River.
Both of these activities may affect suitable shrimp habitat. It is
also common for drillers in the area to pull out casings which may
lead to intrusion of oil, gas and brine from the deeper strata which
underlie the relatively shallow cave bearing strata (28,30).
A large fault which runs in a north-south direction has since
March, 1985, been extensively worked for oil and natural gas. This
field runs close to the east boundry of Mammoth Cave National Park and
extends north to the Green River directly through Suds Spring and
along the east edge of the Mile 205.7 Spring Groundwater Basin (28).
Although no known problems have occurred with cave fauna being
affected by gas and oil development or spills this is considered to
have the potential for causing complete extirpation of the cave fauna
in an entire groundwater basin (19,32).
Agricultural development in the Mammoth Cave National Park region
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
also has the potential for affecting the cave fauna. Agricultural
practices may contribute to erosion of surface land which drains into
the cave systems. Little data has been acquired to support this
hypotheses (19,33). Virtually all drainage in the area through the
extensive cave systems, sinkholes, ponors (=a steep-sided sinkhole)
and other geological features which allow the rapid introduction of
eroded sediments, of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides into the
cave systems (19,24,25,26,29,33).
The introduction of rainbow trout to the watersheds which include
the Mammoth Cave National Park region may be of significance.
Leitheuser (18) has observed Salmo gairdneri (Richardson) eating the
shrimp in Pike Lake. The population of trout is relatively small but
seems to be well established, as evidenced by subsequent sightings
(21) of trout in known shrimp habitat. The trout, which is an
introduced species to the Green River Basin (34,35), may have
successfully adapted to taking refuge in the cold subterranean waters
of the Park and utilizing cave fauna as a food source (18). Detailed
accounts of trout sightings and releases into nearby regularly stocked
waters is discussed in: (18). This is a potentially serious
management problem for the entire fauna and specifically the shrimp,
considering its low population numbers and therefore low gene pool.
National Park Service regulations are adequate to protect this
species from taking. The threats to its habitat are primarily from
sources outside the park and outside of NPS control.
The Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission has determined this
species to be Endangered in KY (36). That designation, however,
carries no legal protection.
Kentucky has few regulations pertaining to the monitoring and
documentation of gas and oil development and spills which may affect
shrimp habitat (28,33,37). No effort has been made to document
potential threats and hazards to the cave fauna from these activities
(19). Also, this aspect of regulatory consideration was not addressed
in the listing of the shrimp (27).
Several factors may lead to increased siltation of the cave
systems including; forest clearing, forest alteration, general
erosion, surface drainage, passage barriers, and the general
maintenance and use of a recreational area (including tours and
recreational caving). Increased siltation may cause a decline in the
available food supply to grazer populations, like the Kentucky cave
shrimp, by limiting the available habitat for stream interstitial
meiofauna (21). The meiofauna is a large and significant portion of
the base of the food web in aquatic cave streams and very habitat
specific (e.g., preferring fine to medium sand rather than silts or
clays) (21). Lock and dam No. 6 on the Green River near Brownsville
was implicated as being responsible for the decline in shrimp
populations between 1967 and 1981 (27,38). The apparent decline in
population was a direct result of inadequate monitoring procedures and
efforts. However, the dam does have the potential for causing
increased siltation in the base level cave streams of Mammoth Cave
National Park. The Green River Dam on the Green River at Greensburg,
KY, is more likely to cause silitation because the river water level
is maintained at an artificially high level of approximately 8 to 12
feet above normal subsequent to flooding events (19,33,37).
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
The development of a draft Recovery Plan was initiated in 1986 and may
be available for review early in 1987.
The following management actions are recommended for recovery of
the Kentucky cave shrimp:
Utilize existing regulations to protect the species and its
habitat. This may include land acquisition or landowner agreements.
Determine the distribution and status of the species in other
cave systems.
Determine present and foreseeable threats to the species. This
objective may include: Control of introduced rainbow trout which prey
on the shrimp; control or restriction of development (i.e., urban,
rural, recreational, agricultural and mining) and associated roads,
road maintenance activities, power lines; and control or restrict use
of pesticides, herbicides and other pollutants which may alter water
quality; control or restrict the release of brine from oil or gas
drilling, oil/gas spills, winter salting of the roads, toxic chemical
spills, etc.; control the water regime of the Green River and other
associated hydrologic sources to maintain historical flows, water
levels, and water quality; and, limit human access to critical areas
of shrimp habitat within the National Park.
Assess the viability of known populations and monitor those
populations.
Except for enforcement of existing regulations, no recovery work
as of 1985 is being conducted for this species.
Management Practices - 4 (DRAFT) - References
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Hobbs, H.H., Jr., H.H. Hobbs III, and M.A. Daniel. 1977. A review
of the troglobitic decapod crustaceans of the Americas. Smith.
Contr. Biol. No. 244:183 pp.
02 Holsinger, J.R. and A.T. Leitheuser. 1983. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found.,
Norfolk, VA. USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-1037. 31 pp.
03 Hay, W.P. 1901. Two new subterranean crustaceans form the United
States. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 14:179-180.
04 Hay, W.P. 1902. Observations on the crustacean fauna of the
region about Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash.
05 Holsinger, J.R., and A.T. Leitheuser. 1982. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found.,
Norfolk, VA. USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-1037. 34 pp.
06 Holsinger, J.R., and A.T. Leitheuser. 1982. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase II). Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found.,
Norfolk, VA. USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-1037. 64 pp.
07 Leitheuser, A.T. 1984. Ecological analysis of the Kentucky cave
shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Central KY Cave Survey Bull. 1:72-80.
08 Ortmann, A.E. 1918. Higher crustaceans (Malacostraca). Pages
828-850. In: Freshwater Biology. H.B. Ward and G.C. Whipple.
J. Wiley and Sons, Inc. NY.
09 Fage, L. 1931. Crustaces amphipodes et decapodes. Pages 361-374,
In: Biospeologica LXI: Chapagne Speologique dans 1'Amerique du nord
en 1928 (Premiere Serie). Bolivar, C. and R. Jeannel eds.
Archives de Zoologie Experimentale et Generale, 71:293-499.
10 Chace, F.A., Jr. 1943. Two new blind prawns from Cuba with a
synopis of the subterranean caridea of America. Proc. New England
Zoo. Club, 22:25-40.
11 Chace, F.A., Jr. 1954. Two new subterranean shrimps (Decapoda:
Caridea) from Florida and the West Indies, with a revised key to
the American species. J. Wash. Acad. Sci. 44(10):318-324.
12 Chace, F.A., Jr. 1959. Malacostraca. Pages 869-901. In:
Fresh-Water Biology. W.T. Edmondson ed. 2nd ed. J. Wiley and
Sons, Inc. NY.
13 Smalley, A.E. 1961. A new cave shrimp from southeastern United
States (Decapoda, Atyidae). Crustaceana, 3(2):127-130.
14 Cooper, J.E. 1975. Ecological and behavioral studies in Shelta
Cave, Alabama, with emphasis on decapod crustaceans. Ph.D. disser.
Univ. of KY, Lexington. 364 pp.
15 Hobbs, H.H., Jr., H.H. Hobbs III, and M.A. Daniel. 1977. A review
of the troglobitic decapod crustaceans of the Americas. Smith.
Contr. Biol., 244:183 pp.
16 Pennak, R.W. 1978. Freshwater invertebrates of the United States
(second ed.). J. Wiley and Sons, Inc. NY. 803 pp.
17 Barr, T.C., Jr. and R.A. Kuehne. 1971. Ecological studies in the
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
Mammoth Cave System of Kentucky II: The ecosystem. Annales de
Speleoloie, Revue Trimestrielle, 26(1):47-96.
18 Leitheuser, A.T. and J.R. Holsinger. 1983. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase IV). USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-
1037, Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. 44 pp.
19 Leitheuser, A.T. 1985. Expert opinion. 4315 South Kirkwood,
No. 104, Houston, TX 77072.
20 Bolivar, C. and R. Jeannel. 1931. Enumeration des grottes
visitees. Pages 294-316. In: Biospeologica LVI: Chapagne
Speologique dans 1'Amerique du nord en 1928 (Premiere Serie).
Bolivar, C. and R. Jeannel eds. Archives de Zoologie Experimentale
et Generale, 71:293-499.
21 Leitheuser, A.T. 1985. Unreported data. 4315 South Kirkwood,
No. 104, Houston, TX 77072.
22 Leitheuser, A.T. and J.R. Holsinger. 1984. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase V). Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found.,
Norfoflk, VA. USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-1037. 102 pp.
23 Environmetal Protection Agency. 1981. Final Environmental Impact
Statement: Mammoth Cave Area: Kentucky: Wastewater Facilities.
EPA 904/9-81-076. Atlanta, GA.
24 Quinlan, J.F. and R.O. Ewers. 1981. Hydrogeology of the Mammoth
Cave Region, KY. Pages 457-495. In: GSA Cincinnati 1981 field trip
guidebooks. T.G. Roberts ed.Amer. Geol. Inst. Wash. DC, Vol. 3.
25 Quinlan, J.F. and J.A. Ray. 1981. Groundwater basins in the
Mammoth Cave Region, showing springs, major caves, flow routes and
potentiometric surface. Occ. Publ. No. 1. Friends of the Karst,
Mammoth Cave, KY.
26 Quinlan, J.F., R.O. Ewers, J.A. Ray, R.L. Powell and N.C. Krothe.
1983. Ground-water hydrology and geomorphology of the Mammoth Cave
Region, KY and the Mitchell Plain, Indiana (field trip 7). Pages
1-85. In: Field trips in midwestern geology. R.H. Shaver and J.A.
Anderson eds. Geol. Soc. of Amer. and Indiana Geol. Sur., Vol. 2.
27 U.S. Government. 1983. Endangered and threatened wildlife and
plants: Determination of Endangered status and designation of
Critical Habitat for the Kentucky cave shrimp. Fed. Reg.
48(198):46337-46342.
28 Veluzat, P. 1985. Pers. comm. Mammoth Cave National Park,
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259.
29 Palmer, A.N. 1981. A geological guide to Mammoth Cave National
Park. Zephyrus Press, Teaneck, NJ. 196 pp.
30 Leitheuser, A.T. and J.R. Holsinger. 1984. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase V progress report). Old Dominion Univ.
Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-1037.
15 pp.
31 Quinlan, J.F. 1985. Unpubl. data. P.O. Box 8; Mammoth Cave, KY
42259.
32 Quinlan, J.F. 1985. Expert opinon. P.O. Box 8; Mammoth Cave, KY
42259.
33 Quinlan, J.F. 1985. Pers. comm. P.O. Box 8; Mammoth Cave, KY
42259.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
34 Clay, W.M. 1962. A field manual of Kentucky fishes. KY Dept. of
Fish and Wildlife Res, Frankfort, KY. 147 pp.
35 Clay, W.M. 1975. The fishes of Kentucky. KY Dept. of Fish and
Wildlife Res, Frankfort, KY. 416 pp.
36 Branson, B.A., D.F. Harker, Jr., J.M. Baskin, M.E. Medley, D.L.
Batch, M.L. Warren, Jr., W.H. Davis, W.C. Houtcopper, B. Monroe,
Jr., L.R. Phillippe, and P. Cupp. 1981. Endangered, threatened
and rare animals and plants of Kentucky. Trans. KY Acad. Sci.,
42(3-4):77-89.
37 Schindel, G.A. 1985. Pers. comm. KY Div. of Water, 18 Reilly
Road, Fort Boone Plaza, Frankfort, KY 40601.
38 U.S. Government. 1980. Endangered and threatened wildlife and
plants: Proposed Endangered status and Critical Habitat for the
Kentucky cave shrimp. Fed. Reg. 45(203):68975-68978.
39 Barr, T.C., Jr. 1971. Ecological studies in the Mammoth Cave
System of Kentucky I: The biota. International J. of Speleology,
3:147-204.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Holsinger, J.R. and A.T. Leitheuser. 1982. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-
1037, Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. 34 pp.
02 Holsinger, J.R. and A.T. Leitheuser. 1982. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-
1037, Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. 64 pp.
03 Leitheuser, A.T. 1984. Ecological analysis of the Kentucky cave
shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Central KY Cave Survey Bull. 1:72-80.
04 Quinlan, J.F. and J.A. Ray. 1981. Groundwater basins in the
Mammoth Cave Region, showing springs, major caves, flow routes and
potentiometric surface. Occ. Publ. No. 1. Friends of the Karst,
Mammoth Cave, KY.
05 Holsinger, J.R. and A.T. Leitheuser. 1983. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-
1037, Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. 31 pp.
06 Leitheuser, A.T. and J.R. Holsinger. 1983. Ecological analysis
of the Kentucky cave shrimp, Palaemonias ganteri Hay, at Mammoth
Cave National Park (phase I). USDI/NPS Contract No. CX-5000-1-
1037, Old Dominion Univ. Res. Found., Norfolk, VA. 44 pp.
07 Leitheuser, A.T. 1985. Unreported data. 4315 South Kirkwood,
No. 104, Houston, TX 77072.
08 Leitheuser, A.T. 1985. Expert opinion. 4315 South Kirkwood,
No. 104, Houston, TX 77072.
09 Quinlan, J.F. and R.O. Ewers. 1981. Hydrogeology of the Mammoth
Cave Region, KY. Pages 457-495. In: GSA Cincinnati 1981 field
trip guidebooks. T.G. Roberts, ed. Amer. Geol. Inst. Wash.
DC, Vol. 3.
10 Quinlan, J.F., R.O. Ewers, J.A. Ray, R.L. Powell, and N.C. Krothe.
References - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species SHRIMP, CAVE, KENTUCKY
Species Id ESIS454001
Date 13 MAR 96
1983. Ground-water hydrology and geomorphology of the Mammoth Cave
Region, KY and the Mitchell Plain, Indiana (field trip 7). Pages
1-85. In: Field trips in midwestern geology. R.H. Shaver and J.A.
Anderson, eds. Geol. Soc. of Amer. and Indiana Geol. Sur.,
Vol. 2.
References - 4