Shelta Cave
| Shelta Cave | |
|---|---|
|
Shelta Cave | |
  Map of Alabama | |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Coordinates | 34°45′13″N 86°36′38″W / 34.75364°N 86.61043°WCoordinates: 34°45′13″N 86°36′38″W / 34.75364°N 86.61043°W |
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | National Speleological Society |
| http://www.caves.org/preserves/scp/shelta.html | |
Shelta Cave is a 2,500 feet (760 m) long underground cave and lake located in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. It is described as one of the most biodiverse caves within the Appalachian Mountains. The cave is currently owned and managed as a nature preserve by the National Speleological Society, with their main offices directly above the cave. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in October 1971.[1]
History
This cave was an underground bar and dance hall in the early 1900s.[2]
Speleology and Wildlife
The cave is open to members of the NSS during certain times of the year to minimize the impact on the biota. There are now three sinkhole entrances. The lake can be as large as 7 acres (2.8 ha) during the winter and early spring rainy season. Other times of the year, the lake bed is exposed.[2]
There are nine species which were first discovered in this cave.[3] The Shelta cave crayfish is endemic to the cave.[4]
References
- ↑ NPS NNL Summary page
- 1 2 Duncan, Andy (2005). Alabama Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff. Globe Pequot. pp. 147–148. ISBN 978-0-7627-3088-9. Retrieved 2008-12-12.
- ↑ NSS Shelta page
- ↑ Schuster, G.A., Taylor, C.A. & Cordeiro, J. 2010. Orconectes sheltae. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 05 March 2013.