Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biological Sciences
Committee Chair
Matthew Niemiller
Committee Member
Zachary Culumber
Committee Member
Daniel Doctor
Research Advisor
Matthew Niemiller
Subject(s)
Cave ecology--Alabama, Biospeleology, Biodiversity conservation, Ecosystem health
Abstract
Alabama contains some of the highest levels of subterranean biodiversity in North America, yet no statewide assessment of cave vulnerability has previously been conducted. A spatially explicit vulnerability assessment was developed for Alabama caves using species occurrence records, landscape characteristics, anthropogenic threat data, and groundwater vulnerability metrics. Distribution maps were generated for cave- obligate and bat species, and vulnerability was assessed using human population, land- use, groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, and modified DRASTIK models. Results identified numerous single-site endemic species, regional biodiversity hotspots, and cave systems facing elevated anthropogenic threats. Conservation priority rankings highlighted species and caves of greatest management concern while revealing important differences between aquatic and terrestrial vulnerability patterns. This integrated framework provides a repeatable approach for assessing cave vulnerability and conservation priorities and offers a valuable tool for guiding management and protection of subterranean ecosystems in Alabama and other karst regions.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, C. Lael, "Mapping cave vulnerability and priority areas for biospeleological conservation" (2026). Theses. 833.
https://louis.uah.edu/uah-theses/833