Limestone Caves
6b. Human impacts to caves
Small changes to caves can have big impacts on cave ecosystems.

Shoes leave mud behind which covers cave floor habitats and discolours cave decorations.
Dark caves have no light and should not have green, photosynthetic algae. This lampenflora has grown near lighting and will change the natural food chain.

Cave entrances may be blocked by doors or grids to protect them from vandalism. Unfortunately this may also change the air flow or access to animals which use the caves.
Passages may be widened for easier access. This will change air flow, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels.


Small human changes to caves can have big impacts on their ecosystems because

caves have very stable environments
 caves are very dark and cold
 caves have very few animals
 
  management  
This limestone mine near Kempsey was closed because of the impact of mining to the caves and resident bat colonies.