U.S. FWS
Environmental Conservation Online System
Conserving the Nature of America

Recovery Plan Action Status

Plan Name: Kentucky Cave Shrimp
Plan Status: Final
Plan Date: 07-Oct-88
Lead Agency: USFWS
Lead Office: Kentucky Ecological Services Field Office ( (502) 695-0468 )
Species Action Priority # Action # Action Description Action Status Est. Initiation Date Est. Completion Date Responsible Parties Work Type Labor Type Action Comments Implementation Activities
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 1 Conduct surveys to determine the location and extent of all areas supporting shrimp Partially Complete FY 2005 FY 2014 USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, National Park Service Research: Population Surveys Graduate Student, Species Expert, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance The Graham Springs basin (Warren Co, KY) was surveyed for Kentucky cave shrimp during summer/fall 2005 by Lewis and Associates (Borden, IN); no shrimp were found but a diverse cave fauna was documented. In Fall 2012, the KY ES Field Office (KFO), Mammoth Cave NP (MCNP), and Eastern KY University are cooperating on a new survey for Kentucky cave shrimp using environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques. Funding is being provided through an FY12 1113 flex fund award. A total of 20 sites will be sampled (both historic an unknown springs) and analyzed for the presence of P. ganteri. Using a known P. ganteri genetic marker, each of the samples will be analyzed for DNA originating from recently deceased inds, shed exoskeletons, feces, eggs, sperm, and sloughed epithelial cells. MCNP also is planning some traditional P. ganteri surveys (snorkeling methods) in FY12/13 at several known sites. All of these efforts should provided updated information on the species' current distribution.
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 2.1 Conduct life history research to determine sex ratios, fecundity, survival rate, mortality rate, rate of increase, turnover rate, longevity, food supply, viable population size, and protection needed to ensure continued existence of the species. Partially Complete Prior to FY 1995 USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, National Park Service Research, Research: General, Research: Other Information Graduate Student, Species Expert, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance Can be combined with Task No. 1 to obtain at reduced cost. Genetics project by Iowa State Univ (Dr. Kevin Roe) and Univ. of Alabama (Dr. Bernard Kuhajda) is planned for Fall 2012 at Mammoth Cave NP. They plan to remove an appendage (non-lethal activity) from approx. 25 inds from several different spring basins in MCNP. Results will be used to determine relationships within the genus but also to determine gene flow between/within populations. The study will also provide updated info on species status and provide the genetic material needed for the eDNA study planned for Fall 2012.
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 2.2 Continue hydrological studies of the Mammoth Cave area Partially Complete Prior to FY 1995 Kentucky Division of Water, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Research, Research: General Graduate Student, Species Expert, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 2.2.1 Continue the delineation of groundwater basins Partially Complete Prior to FY 1995 Kentucky Division of Water, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Research, Research: General Graduate Student, Species Expert, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 1 2.3 Determine the biotic and abiotic water quality parameters essential to the survival of the species Partially Complete Prior to FY 1995 Kentucky Division of Water, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Research: General, Research: Population Surveys, Research: Habitat Status, Research: Habitat Requirements, Research: Management Techniques, Research: Demographic Studies, Research: Other Information Graduate Student, Species Expert, Contract, Internal Technical Assistance, Internal Field Assistance
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 3.1 Determine the effects of pesticide contamination Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 5.2 Evaluate mechanism for preventing pollution from private septic system and implement actions required to prevent pollution of cave systems if necessary. Not Started Kentucky Division of Water, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected FY 89 & 90 cost unknown
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 5.3 Reduce or eliminate siltation from artificially high water levels Not Started Kentucky Division of Water, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected FY 88, 89, & 90 cost unknown
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 5.4.1 Develop and implement a plan to ensure that drilling for oil and natural gas is conducted in a manner which protects the cave system. Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected FY 89 cost unknown
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 2 5.4.2 Develop and implement a plan to ensure that agricultural and forestry practices are conducted in a way which does not adversely affect the cave system. Not Started U. S. Department of Agriculture - Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected FY 89 cost unknown. Can be combined with Task No. 4.4.1 to reduce costs.
Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri) 3 8.3 Produce and conduct a program to develop public appreciation of karst terrains, water quality, the unique ecosystems and their biota, perturbation effects, endangered species legislation, and species protection/recovery. Not Started U.S. Fish and Wildlife enhancement, USFWS Regional Office 4 - Atlanta, National Park Service Work type not yet selected Labor type not yet selected Can be combined with Task No. 8.2 to reduce costs.
Export options: EXCEL | PDF