Organisms of Caves and other Karst Habitat

The purpose of this bioquest, to be held July 27-30, 2006 , is to conduct a biodiversity inventory of a variety of taxonomic groups whose habitat includes the limestone areas of GSMNP. We plan to bring together experts in the following groups: land snails, leaf litter and soil organisms, tardigrades, beetles, vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and slime molds. Investigations will take place around the entrances to caves and sinkholes and in the plant communities derived from carbonate rock. There are at least seven areas in the Smokies that can be considered karst-like habitat and are very distinctive from the rest of the Park. Protected areas for rare and endangered species will be off limits or highly restricted, according to Park recommendations. Researchers may explore caverns and examine some cave organisms, depending upon Park policy and the interest and the availability of expert cavers (hazardous nature of the vertical caves). A broad array of involvement is needed from various taxonomic experts and a variety of collecting methods will be employed. Ten researchers have already indicated they will participate, and Discover Life in America volunteers will be recruited and trained. Educational programs will be presented to Park visitors, as well as to teachers and students, through cooperation with the education partners of Discover Life in America.