Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge

Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
LocationLawrence County, Missouri, United States
Nearest citySpringfield, MO
Coordinates37°34′N 93°23′W / 37.567°N 93.383°W / 37.567; -93.383
Area40 acres (16 ha)
Established1991
VisitorsClosed to the public (in 2006)
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteOzark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge

The Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge is a 40-acre (16-ha) National Wildlife Refuge located in Lawrence County, Missouri, 20 mi (32 km) west of Springfield. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the land in 1991 to protect the endangered Ozark cavefish.

Wildlife and protected species

In addition to the Ozark cavefish, Turnback Cave provides habitat for the endangered gray bat, whose droppings provide the essential nutrient source for the caves. The refuge is closed to the public.

See also

  • Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge
  • Recreation.gov overview
  • Endangered Species Guidesheet, Missouri Department of Conservation
  • Ghost Fish of the Ozarks, by Tracy Crede
  • Elliott, William R. (2003). "A Guide to Missouri's Cave Life" (PDF). Missouri Department of Conservation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-29. Retrieved 2006-05-23.