Population Status of the Hoosier Cavefish (Amblyopsis hoosieri) in Hamer Cave, Lawrence County, Indiana

This project focuses on conducting a multiple-visit population study of a subterranean blind fish that occurs only in caves in southern Indiana; the state endangered Hoosier cavefish (Amblyopsis hoosieri).  The study takes place in Hamer Cave, the entrance of which is owned by Heidelberg Materials, and located within the watershed of neighboring Spring Mill State Park.  The primary objective is to determine the current status of the cavefish compared to past observations dating back to 1873.  Another objective is to establish a new baseline population going forward to measure future habitat management. The project is to be completed by a researcher who is a board member of the Indiana Karst Conservancy, the only non profit organization in Indiana that focuses primarily on conservation of caves and karst ecosystems.