Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 2.T.

5 Terrestrial Habitats Caves

Rev: 19 March 2012

JOHN BINNS

Definition Caves are erosional landforms, including pot holes and fissures, which form as a result of wave action, or the action of rain and underground water courses. Local Outline Over time, the carbonate rock which forms the Cayman Islands has repeatedly been submerged by, and emerged from, the Caribbean Sea. Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). Older strata have been dolomitized with CaMgCO3 replacing CaCO3. Carbonate rocks are partially soluble in water, making them susceptible to erosion. The effect of seawater erosion is evident in the maritime cliffs around the Islands, with distinct wave-cut notches clearly visible in the rock. These notches occur both significantly higher and lower than the present sea surface, indicating prehistoric variations in sea-level. Rain water settling in hollows and cracks dissolves surface rock, infiltrating and widening to form the jagged topography typical of the interior of the Islands. The extension of fissures below the surface of the rock leads to the channelling of underground water courses, resulting in the formation of larger solution cavities and caves. These erosional landscapes are known as karsts.

For Reference and Acknowledgement: Cottam, M., Olynik, J., Blumenthal, J., Godbeer, K.D., Gibb, J., Bothwell, J., Burton, F.J., Bradley, P.E., Band, A., Austin, T., Bush, P., Johnson, B.J., Hurlston, L., Bishop, L., McCoy, C., Parsons, G., Kirkconnell, J., Halford, S. and Ebanks-Petrie, G. (2009). Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009. Cayman Islands Government. Department of Environment. Final Formatting and production by John Binns, International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Section: 2.T.5 Terrestrial Habitats - Caves Page: 1

Key Habitat Categories for Caves Erosional landforms, including pot holes and fissures, which form as a result of wave action, or the action of rain and underground water courses. Caves Key Species for Caves The following are selected from the schedules of the draft National Conservation Law; illustrating some of the endemic species, and those protected under international agreements, which are dependent upon this habitat. KEY SPECIES for CAVES Detail PART 1 All bats are protected under part 1 Current Status of Caves The current status of caves in the Cayman Islands is largely unknown. GIS referencing, cave system mapping, and assessment of current biological interest of caves will be addressed as part of the Research & Monitoring of this HAP. Of the major known caves, only the Salina Bat Cave falls within a protected area - the National Trust Salina Reserve. Key Sites for Caves GRAND CAYMAN: Old Man Bay (Bat) Caves Millers Caves Furtherland Farm Caves Dolphin Caves Crab Cave Salina Bat Cave - falls within the National Trust Salina Reserve. Spotts Cave CAYMAN BRAC: Hutia Cave Fig Tree Cave Pollard Bay Cave Shearwater Cave 1 and 2 Sea bird Cave Spot Bay Cave Peters Cave Pattons Fissure Chandelier Cave - discovered and vandalised in 2006 Rebeccas Cave Chiroptera SAP Scientific Reference NBAP

Caves are currently underrepresented within the protected areas of the Cayman Islands. The most significant caves sites currently protected are: Salina cave, Grand Cayman, property of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Nature Conservation Importance of Caves Bats: several of Caymans resident species of bats inhabit caves. Bats are important indicator species of a functional environment, and contribute significant biological control of undesirable insects such as mosquitoes. Bats are sensitive to disturbance, some species particularly so, both directly, and indirectly, by virtue of modification of their roost sites. Factors such as air currents and microclimate greatly influence roost site suitability. Old Man Bay (Bat) Caves once supported a roosting population of Tadarida brasiliensis. When the roost was first assessed, in 1979, Morgan estimated the population size at between 2,000 and 5,000 individuals Section: 2.T.5 Terrestrial Habitats - Caves Page: 2

(Morgan 1994). The cave shows signs of significant disturbance, both by lighting of fires and extraction of guano. These activities have probably contributed to complete desertion of the colony by Tadarida, with only a small population of Artibeus jamaicensis remaining. Roosts at Bodden (Pirates) Cave, and the Bat Cave, Cayman Brac, are similarly now largely deserted. New species: the restricted confines of undisturbed cave environments represent a microcosm for evolutionary processes. As a result, new and unique species are often found associated with specific cave systems. Other: Geological interest: erosional features of limestone caves contribute to their geological interest. Palaeontological interest: undisturbed cave sediments and deposits can provide a valuable prehistoric record. In the Cayman Islands, the majority of fossils are found close to the surface. Significant deposits have been recovered from Crab Cave and Dolphin Cave in Grand Cayman, and Pattons Fissure and Pollard Bay Cave in Cayman Brac - notes currently reside with the Florida Museum of Natural History. Hedonic value: accessible caves, especially those with significant rock formations are of general interest to the public. Cultural: Peters Cave is the most significant cave from a cultural perspective. Situated high in the cliffside of the Bluff on Cayman Brac, Peters Cave served to shelter many survivors of the devastating 32 Storm, in which 109 people lost their lives. It is still used as a refuge to this day. Nature tourism: accessible caves have the potential to be developed into popular nature tourism attractions. Tours are usually facilitated through local guides under direction of a Management Authority. Given the sensitivity of the biological and geological features of caves to disturbance and damage, effective site management is essential if these features of interest are to be preserved. Pirates Cave in Bodden Town features Bodden Caves as part of a low-end tourist attraction, incorporating an (abandoned) roost of Artibeus jamaicensis and animal menagerie. Recreation: where cave access is challenging, caving and potholing may become established niche sports. Some exploration and mapping of the cave systems in the Cayman Islands has been undertaken, however, this information should be reviewed and updated. Current Factors Affecting Caves Dumping: caves and fissures entrances are commonly used as dumping grounds. This practice causes disturbance to cave dwelling creatures, and results in the blocking of entranceways, and modification of internal air-currents and microclimate. Development: when caves are uncovered during the course of land clearance and development, they are usually in-filled with rock aggregate. There is generally little impetus for the preservation of caves and incorporative site design. Vandalism: erosional rock formations develop over hundreds and even thousands of years, however, they are generally extremely fragile in nature, and susceptible to momentary physical damage. This makes rock formations an attractive target for vandals and unscrupulous souvenir hunters. Single incidents of vandalism may inflict permanent and irreparable damage. Disturbance: caves may be subject to deliberate or accidental disturbance. The use of fire, bright lights, and the simple presence of people can be sufficient to encourage a sensitive bat colony to desert an otherwise suitable roost. Sea bird cave in Cayman Brac requires immediate assessment, to determine whether any bird interest remains. Lack of public education: public fear and folklore contribute to misperceptions regarding bats, and contribute to their persecution and an undervaluing of caves. Opportunities and Current Local Action for Caves Agricultural Pavilion Cave a small cave on the northern boundary of the Lower Valley forest, adjacent the Agricultural Pavilion, was filled with debris following Hurricane Ivan. In 2007, discussions commenced with the Department of Agriculture regarding the clearance of debris from the site and restoration of the cave. This initiative would complement current plans by DoA to upgrade the Pavilion site, and promote the Agritourism initiative. Old Man Bay (Bat) Caves this network incorporates over a dozen surface caves, and may represent the most significant cave system in the Cayman Islands. In 2004, an abortive attempt to develop the site as a tourist attraction resulted in excavation of the Section: 2.T.5 Terrestrial Habitats - Caves Page: 3

cave floor. Poorly planned widening of established access trails resulted in the establishment of Maiden Plum Comocladia dentata. Though heavily impacted by fire, which probably contributed to the desertion of the historic colony of Tadarida brasiliensis, a bat presence (Artibeus jamaicensis) remains in the largest cave, and several of the smaller caves. The site remains of significant interest, and benefits from primary dry forest, incorporating large Strangler Figs Ficus aurea. This site might respond well to targeted restoration and management. Chandelier Cave Cayman Brac discovered in 2006 as a result of new road construction, this cave is of special geological interest for its festoons of slim stalactites. Major features were vandalised within weeks of discovery. HABITAT ACTION PLAN for Caves OBJECTIVES 1. Improve knowledge and understanding of caves in the Cayman Islands. 2. Ensure protection of species which rely on caves habitat. 3. Protect 30% of currently known caves systems in the Cayman Islands. TARGET 2015 2008 2015

Caves PROPOSED ACTION Policy & Legislation PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Promote amendment of the Planning Law, to facilitate rapid imposition of stop-orders on illegal developments and provide a responsive and effective enforcement mechanism. PL3. Strengthen the Development Plan on Grand Cayman, and develop and implement guidelines to discourage damage or disturbance to caves. PL4. Promote establishment of a Development Plan for the Sister Islands, incorporating a long-term vision for the environmental, social, and economic development of the Islands. PL5. Continue and improve implementation of international conventions, agreements and declarations to which the Cayman Islands is committed. PL6. Work with Department of Planning to introduce regulations to prevent speculative clearance of land, and enforce regulations prohibiting clearance of land by mechanical means without planning permission. PL7. Clarify land ownership issues associated with caves. There is a presumption that caves belong to the landowner above, however landownership may be stratified vertically as well as horizontally. This issue may give rise to ambiguity of ownership, particularly in relation to systems which transgress surface ownership boundaries, have multiple openings, or open onto Crown-owned cliff face. SM1. Use the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase and protect / establish management agreements with landowners of the caves and forest and woodland associated with the Old Man Bay (Bat) Caves, Grand Cayman. SM2. Use of the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase and protect / establish management agreements with landowners of Peters Cave and Chandelier Cave and surrounds, Cayman Brac. SM3. Subject to RM4, use the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase and protect / establish management agreements with landowners of the previously unmapped cave system running the length of the Bluff, Cayman Brac.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 2,3 2

CIG DoP

DoE DoE CIG CIG MP DoE CIG MP DoE CIG DoP CPA DCB

2006 2010

DoP CPA DoP DCB DoE DoE

ongoing

2,3

ongoing ongoing 2012

2,3 2,3 2

DoE

DoP LS CPA DCB CIG

2010

2,3

Safeguards & Management CC DoE NT MP CIG DoE NT MP CIG DoE NT MP CIG 2015 2,3

CC

2015

2,3

CC

2015

2,3

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Caves PROPOSED ACTION SM4. Use the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase and protect / establish management agreements with landowners of a cave suitable for establishment as a show-cave. Develop on-site access and interpretation to facilitate visitation by school-groups, towards educating students regarding the geological and biological interest of caves.

LEAD

PARTNERS DoE NT MP CIG DE

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE

CC

2015

1,2,3

SM4. REPORT: (2012) Cave owner clears access road to site (initially without planning permission) and operates heavy digging machinery inside cave area, excavating cave floor. Planning permission for road granted without informing National Trust (an adjacent land owner) as they are considered too distant from works. SM5. Investigate Bluff-face caves in Cayman Brac for nesting seabirds, and employ protective measures and access management at sensitive sites, as necessary. SM6. Work with the Department of Agriculture to support the restoration of the Agriculture Pavilion Cave as part of the Agritourism site project. SM7. Employ protective measures and access management at sensitive sites, as necessary, towards preserving biological and geological interest. SM8. Implement KEY SPECIES SAPs, with special attention to the Bats SAP.. Advisory A1. Work with Department of Planning and developers to encourage incorporative site design, when new caves are discovered as a result of clearance for development, towards retaining caves as functional elements of developed landscapes A2. Promote best practice in Development Plans, to ensure the preservation, and natural function, of caves. A3. Ensure that local planning mechanisms take into account the wildlife interest and hedonic value of caves. A4. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law. A4. REPORT: Extensive public outreach Mar-Sept 2010. Research & Monitoring RM1. Determine ownership status of all significant cave systems. RM2. Recover and update existing data on the caves of the Cayman Islands, including those mapped by Morgan 1994, and files held by the Florida Museum of Natural History. RM3. Update GIS and internal maps of cave systems and assess immediate threats to their integrity. RM4. Investigate reports of the existence of a cave system running the length of the Bluff on Cayman Brac. RM5. Investigate caves for presence of bats, and other possibly unique or unknown species. RM6. Work with outside agencies to establish management and restoration protocols for protected cave systems. RM7. Incorporate all pre-existing and forthcoming research and monitoring data, habitat mapping and imagery into a spatially-referenced database. RM8. Utilise remote sensing to instigate a five-yearly habitat mapping programme. CP1. Promote caves as a valuable feature of the natural environment of the Cayman Islands. DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE IntC IntC 2010 2010 2010 2009 2015 2015 2015 2015 1 1 1,2 1 1 1,2,3 1 1 DoE DoP MP DoP CPA DCB DoP CPA DCB CIG NT 2008 1,2 DoE DoA DoE DoE IntC DoE IntC IntC 2010 2009 2015 2015 1,2 2,3 2 1,2,3

DoE DoE DoE

ongoing ongoing 2006

2 2 2,3

Communication & Publicity DoE NT DoT CIG ongoing 1

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Caves PROPOSED ACTION CP2. Educate public about the specific sensitivities of caves and urge cave visitors to avoid damaging activities. CP3. Work with the public and students to allay traditional fears regarding bats. CP4. Utilise designation of new National Parks and protected areas to promote the Cayman Islands internationally. CP5. Utilise show-cave to educate students about the geological processes which form the Cayman Islands. References and Further Reading for Caves

LEAD DoE NT NT DoE DoE DoE

PARTNERS MP IntC MP DoT CIG NT MP IntC CIG MP

TARGET 2012 ongoing 2006 2015

MEETS OBJECTIVE 1 1 1 1

Anderson, S., Woods, A.A., Morgan, G.S. and Oliver, W.L.R. (1983). Geocapromys brownie. American Ascociation of Mammalologists, Mammalian species, 201: 1-5. Brunt, M.A. and Davies, J.E. (1994). The Cayman Islands Natural History and Biogeography. pp. 604. Kluwer Academic Publishers. ISBN 0-79232462-5. Burton, F.J. (2008a). Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Burton, F.J. (2008b). Vegetation Classification for the Cayman Islands. In: Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Proctor, G.R. (2011). Flora of the Cayman Islands. ISBN 978 1 84246 403 8. 736 pp. Kew Publishing.

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