Contents

Foreword	v
Introduction
Project summary	1.1
Project requirements	1.2
Excluded sites	1.3
Project deliverables	1.4
Personnel	1.5
Methods
Indicators	2.1
Georeferencing	2.2
Datum transformations	2.3
Species identification	2.4
Determination of hydrological activity	2.5
Field techniques	2.6
Results - Caves by District
Windsor	3.1
Bad Hole
Contra Sheep Pen Hole
Devil's Staircase
Flood Exit Cave
Flood Rising
Fontabelle Rising
Hessie's Hole**
Home Away From Home Cave**
Long Mile Cave
Pantrepant Cave
Peru Mountain Holes
Quaw's Pond Sink
Ruined Ground Cave
Sheep Pen Cave
Spring Cave
Windsor Great Cave
The Northeast	3.2
Agony Hole
Barbecue Bottom Hole-1
Barbecue Bottom Hole-2
Campbells Cave
East Hole
Kinloss Shelter
Mirk Pit
Montieth Cave
Ramgoat Cave
South Hole
Rock Spring	3.3
Burnt Hill Caves
Cane Patch Sink
Carambie Cave
Comb Cave
Crayfish Cave
Far Enough Cave
Farmyard Cave
Good Hope Cave
Good Hope One Cave
Good Hope Two Cave
Greater Swanga Shelter**
Harties Cave-1
Harties Cave-2
Iron Maiden Cave
Mouth Maze
Mouth River Sink
Pool Cave
Printed Circuit Cave
Swanga Cave, [aka Banga Cave]
Too Far Stream Cave
Troy	3.4
Anancy Hole**
Booth Camp Spring
Dalby's Stream Cave
Kolan Bush Sinkhole
Tyre Stream Cave**
Tyre Sump Cave
White Cave
Wilson's Run Cave
Balaclava	3.5
Black River Head
Bluefields Sink
Coffee River Cave
Golding River Cave
Hector's River Sink-3
Mexico Cave
Raheen Sink-1
Wallingford Collapse Cave
Wallingford Main Cave
Wallingford River Cave
Wallingford Roadside Cave
Wallingford Sinkhole-1
Wallingford Sinkhole-2
Wallingford Tunnel Cave
Thornton	3.6
Appleton Tower Maze
Falling Cave
Nanny Cave
Pennhouse Shelter-1**
Pennhouse Shelter-2**
Pennhouse Shelter-3**
Penthouse Cave
River Maiden Cave
Welsch Ratbat Cave
Quick Step	3.7
Adam's Third Pit
August 23 Pit
Back-of-Hut Pit-1
Back-of-Hut Pit-2
Belmore Castle Pit-1
Belmore Castle Pit-2
Bonafide Cave
Canaan Spring
Cowtrap Pit
Crescent Pit
Ed's Lost Rack Pit
Ellen's Mourning Pit
Glade Fissure Cave
Gremlin Cave
Hole-in-the-wall Pit
Innerwell Fissure Cave
Jabbering Crow Pit
Killer Corkscrew Pit
Linda's Minipit
Marta Tick Cave
Minocal's Glory Hole
Olive Piece Property Caves
Red Top Pit
Road-side Pit
Robert Ming's Pit
Rolling Rock Pit
Sawmill Cave
Sawmill Collapse
Stephenson Cave
Tamarind Pond Hole
The Tomhole
Undernose Cave
Wandering Well
Wayne's Pit
The Southwest	3.8
Armstrong Pit
Adam's Cave
Behind the Wall Cave
Big Well Cave
Cawley Well
Cedar Spring Cave
Cook's Bottom Sink
Dunco Spring Cave
Johnny Tavern Spring
Martel Spring
Martel Spring Cave
Retirement Cave
Robber Cave
Saucy River Cave
Shell Cave
Sherlock's Pit
Still Waters Cave
Vauxhall Cave
Warmy Tom Hole
Wondrous Cave
The Northwest	3.9
Barracks Cave
Clear River Cave**
Dead Baby Sinkhole**
Duppy Cave
Fitzie's Fissures 1-3**
Gun Hill
Hope River Glade Caves
Liefs Sink
Prosper Rock
Salmon Cave
Springvale South Cave
Vaughansfield Cave
Young Gully Cave
Young's Cave
Conclusions
Current conditions	4.1
Degradation	4.2
Conservation priorities	4.3
Recommendations	4.4
Monitoring	4.5
Appendix A - Database of PiP Project sites
Column by column explanation of use	5.1
Appendix B - Arcview project files	6.1
Appendix C - Archaeology of the Cockpit Country	7.1

Foreword

The participation of the Jamaican Caves Organisation in the Parks in Peril Project began in late 2001. Dr. S. Koenig, of the Windsor Research Centre, invited R. S. Stewart to assist in preparatory work on the caves component of the PiP Project, then in its nascent stages. Although there was not yet any actual funding for the caves component, a team that was made up of Susan Koenig, Stefan Stewart, and Martel Taylor carried out fieldwork in February of 2002 that would begin the process of establishing a methodology for the systematic assessment of Jamaican caves.

In June 2002, funding supplied by the sponsor of the project, The Nature Conservancy, enabled further fieldwork, this time under the guidance of G. O. Graening of The Nature Conservancy - USA. With the assistance of Koenig, Stewart, and Taylor, a number of caves were visited, and good progress was made.

In August of 2002, with the intention of assembling a group of volunteers who could carry out speleological research in Jamaica, with or without funding, the Jamaican Caves Organisation was founded by Stewart. The initial membership of the JCO consisted of a small group of people who had been exploring the caves of the island with Stewart since the early 1990's, but new members were soon added. One of the more important of the early additions to the team was Ivor Conolley.

In the autumn of 2002, using methods established earlier in the year, the JCO began a systematic investigation of the caves of Jamaica.

During 2003, under the guidance of Stewart, the JCO continued to visit and assess caves using the activities of 2002 as a template for our own studies. Ongoing collaboration with Dr. S. Koenig and Dr. D. McFarlane refined the biological and palaeontological indicators that were noted in the course of the investigations.

In 2004, the JCO began an assessment project of the caves of St James under a permit issued to Stewart by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA). This was based on the early Parks in Peril work, but had been expanded upon because of lessons learned during 2003. There was no funding other than what the JCO could supply, but with the help of volunteers, principally I. C. Conolley, M. Taylor, M. Bellinger, E. Slack, and D. K. Roggy, over 60 caves in the parish were visited and systematically investigated.

In August of 2004, the JCO was contacted by The Nature Conservancy - Jamaica with regard to carrying out the caves component of the Parks in Peril Project. A proposal was submitted, and we received a positive response.

In late 2004, Mr. Stewart applied for an extended permit from NEPA, which would include sampling of undescribed cave-adapted invertebrates. This was done in collaboration with Dr. S. Peck, and Dr. S. Koenig. The work in St James was not finished, but we anticipated that it would be done by mid-year, and it would then be necessary to move on to a new parish, St Ann. Accordingly, the application area was extended beyond the original perimeter of the 2004 permit. In addition, in hopes that the proposal submitted to TNC-J would be successful, permission was sought from NEPA to include all of the caves located within the Cockpit Country ring-road.

In late January 2005, within the course of several days, the JCO was informed by TNC-J that our proposal had been accepted and Mr. Stewart was informed by NEPA that his 2005 research permit had been approved. Planning then began for our work in the Cockpit Country. It was determined that two expeditions, totalling five weeks, would be necessary to accomplish what was intended.

In late March and early April 2005, two weeks were spent in the field, and then a further three weeks in May. Over the course of the following three months, the data was assembled into a filterable spreadsheet using Excel, and this report was compiled. This brings us to the time of the writing of this account, and the completion of our work.

We would like to thank the following individuals for their great assistance in this project: Dr. S. E. Koenig, Dr. D. A. McFarlane, Dr. S. Peck, Dr. C. Schubart, Dr. A. G. Fincham, A. Donaldson, I. C. Conolley, D. K. Roggy, E. Slack, M. Bellinger, M. Loftin, M. Taylor, A. Hyde, G. van Rentergem, M. Newman, Dr. D. Lee, M. Silvera, A. Silvera, B. Gottgens, M. Phillips, K. John, P. Bailey, D. Williams, Colonel Peddie, L. Grey, B. Hill, R. Schoburgh, M. Campbell, Joeanne and Hortense.

We would also like to thank the people of Windsor, Rock Spring, Troy, Balaclava, Thornton, Quick Step, Accompong Town, and Schaw Castle for allowing us to wander through your yards and farms as we searched for caves, and for assisting us in finding them when you could.

Most importantly, we must thank The Nature Conservancy for the funding that made this work possible. We hope that our endeavours will prove to be of longstanding worth.

It has been our goal in this project to supply comprehensive baseline data for the Cockpit Country caves in the year 2005, and we have worked long and hard at this. Although we hope that the conclusions and recommendations that we have also included in the report might assist in the preservation of the caves of the Cockpit Country, it is our belief that if nothing else has been accomplished by our efforts, we will have at least allowed those in the future to see what has changed.

R. S. Stewart

Sept 13, 2005

1. Introduction

1.1. Project Summary

1.1.1. As part of TNC’s Conservation Project Planning process in FY04-5, caves and their biota were identified as important and sensitive elements of the Cockpit Country biodiversity, likely to require special conservation measures. In order to assess the need for conservation of cave ecosystems, TNC decided to develop an inventory of caves for the Cockpit Country. This would support the development and implementation of a Cockpit Country Biodiversity Management Plan that will be integrated into the Forestry Department’s Forest Management Plan. Another related activity would be to help TNC-J to work with the Government of Jamaica to develop and adopt a national policy for conservation of caves and their biodiversity.

1.1.2. The JCO, in response to a request by TNC-J to submit a plan that would accomplish the above goals, proposed an inventory and assessment that would examine the status, distribution, importance, condition (including threats) and conservation needs for the caves of the Cockpit Country, in order to identify short and long-term research and conservation needs, and to make the information available for use through a searchable database.

1.1.3. The target-list for the proposed inventory included those caves in the area enclosed by the Cockpit Country ring-road that were deemed to meet the project criteria, and several of the many simple shafts. The criteria for exclusion or inclusion in the project will be found in section 1.3 of this report.

1.2. Project Requirements

The following activities were carried out in order to meet the objectives of the project:

1.2.1. TNC-J Requirement: Design a format for a database of information on Cockpit Country caves. This will be based on the Jamaica Caves Organization’s existing database developed in conjunction with the National Planning and Environment Agency. It will include the physical, biological, social, economic and cultural aspects of caves necessary to determining their importance for biodiversity conservation and monitoring changes over time.

1.2.1.1. JCO Activity: Our existing database was expanded to include additional factors and observations suited to the needs of TNC-Jamaica. The added columns included: Positional data in both Jamaican datums, JAD69 and JAD2001, in addition to the obtained WGS84 GPS-georeferenced positions; presence or absence of the top-level invertebrate predator group, the Araneae; presence of absence of the predaceous fly larvae, Neoditomyia farri; and the presence or absence of archaeological resources.

1.2.2. TNC-J Requirement: Conduct fieldwork to assess Cockpit Country caves. For the purposes of this project, the Cockpit Country is defined as the area bounded by the ring road.

1.2.2.1. JCO Activity: Members of our group carried out the necessary fieldwork in two sessions of 2-3 weeks each. A total of 29 days were spent in the field, with the team based for several days at a time in Windsor, Rock Spring, Quick Step, and Accompong Town. These bases were selected to enable most of our targets to be within a one-hour drive/hike. The schedule was flexible depending on conditions, i.e. we took advantage of opportunities to increase our output, even when this caused us to depart from our original schedule.

1.2.3. TNC-J Requirement: Collate existing and new information on caves into the database

1.2.3.1. JCO Activity: Existing databases, i.e. Fincham, JCO, were used to supplement and verify new data that were obtained during the project. The finished database, Appendix A, contains known information for all of the known caves of the Cockpit Country, as defined by the ring road. It should be noted that several new caves were added to the original list, during the project, due to discoveries while in the field; in this report they are designated with a double asterisk, **.

1.2.4. TNC-J Requirement: Produce a report identifying the priorities for cave conservation in the Cockpit Country. This will include recommendations for monitoring selected caves.

1.2.4.1. JCO Activity: We have done this further in the report, found under Conclusions. Filtering of the finished database has suggested particular patterns of degradation, and the associated causes. It has also identified those caves that remain relatively pristine, and most in need of protection. We have compiled a list of caves that span a range of levels of degradation and propose that these be considered as candidates for long-term monitoring. We have also described methods for conducting the monitoring that will have a minimum impact on the studied sites.

1.3. Excluded Sites

1.3.1. The database of Cockpit Country caves that TNC had when we submitted our proposal is based upon the book "Jamaica Underground" (referred to as "JU" in the rest of this report) by Alan G. Fincham. In creating this book, Dr. Fincham did a very thorough job of listing all of the karstic sites that had been mentioned in the literature available to him. These included impenetrable sinks and risings, possible duplicates of caves known by other names, and the many simple shafts found around the island. It was apparent to us when we wrote our proposal that of the approximately 135 sites listed to be within the ring-road, a number of the sites were either not true caves, or were lost/un-findable. Many were also simple shafts, of no great depth, that were entirely in the twilight zone (thereby supplying no habitat for troglobitic species), with no suitable roosting space for bats, and no hydrological activity other than the occasional taking of water from the surrounding hills in rainy times. To include all of the JU sites, it would have been necessary to spend several months in the field in an attempt to find caves that were possible duplicate entries (and didn't exist in the first place), and in the case of simple shafts, descending with vertical gear into pits that had nothing but boulder chokes at the bottom and a few terrestrial species that had either fallen or crawled in. Not only did the available funding not allow this expenditure of time, much of it would have been either futile or pointless. Therefore, one of the first things we did before submitting the proposal was to filter out the sites that did not seem worthy of the investment of our time. This gleaning resulted in approximately 70 caves deemed suitable for the PiP Project. In the course of the fieldwork, most, but not all, were located, but the addition of several new sites brought the total to 87. This number includes several shafts that were also covered in detail, the most notable of these, Minocal's Glory Hole.

1.3.2. To satisfy the requirements of the project, we also included entries in the database for the excluded sites, but the information is limited to what is available in JU, along with our best guess on how to find and access them.

1.3.3. To summarize the above: The sites that were "Excluded" were those not visited by us, but the database does present the available information. The sites that were "Included" are those that we have personally investigated, and georeferenced, and have received a much more thorough treatment. We have made the difference clear between the two groups, and filterable, in Column B of the database, with the exclusion criteria appearing in Columns Q-S. Several caves that we hoped to find, but did not, are listed in Column B as "Not-found".

1.4. Deliverables

1.4.1. TNC-J Requirement: A written report (in both digital format and hard copy) summarizing the main findings and recommendations

1.4.1.1. Delivered by the JCO: This document presents the written report. A digital version, in .doc form will be found on a CD-R that accompanies it.

1.4.2. TNC-J Requirement: A database of all caves in Excel will be developed jointly with TNC-J, produced and used to support the development of the Cockpit Country Biodiversity Management Plan and ultimately to inform the national policy for cave conservation.

1.4.2.1. Delivered by the JCO: The database will be found as Appendix A on a CD-R that accompanies this report.

1.4.3. TNC-J Requirement: Arcview project files and accompanying map files that will enable the geographical placement of the caves of the Cockpit Country upon the digitized 1:50,000 Jamaican Metric Topographic map series to within an accuracy of +/-3 pixels (+/-18m).

1.4.3.1. Delivered by the JCO: Arcview project files, and digital maps, will be found as Appendix B on a CD-R that accompanies this report.

1.4.4. TNC-J Requirement: Individual written trip reports, for all the caves visited, which will include instructions for finding and accessing the caves.

1.4.4.1. Delivered by the JCO: These will be found in this report in the entries for the individual caves.

1.4.5. TNC-J Requirement: Written recommendations on monitoring procedures that will minimize human disturbance to the monitoring candidate caves, which are specific to each candidate cave.

1.4.5.1. Delivered by the JCO: Found in this report under Conclusions.

1.4.6. TNC-J Requirement: An oral presentation to the Cockpit Country Advisory Committee.

1.4.6.1. To be done in late September 2005, at the time of the presentation of this report.

1.5. Personnel

1.5.1. The bulk of the fieldwork was carried out by Ronald Stefan Stewart (Chair - JCO), and Ivor Courtney Conolley (Vice-chair - JCO), but there were many others who assisted to one degree or another, and for this we are very grateful. They are listed below, along with their affiliations:

Elizabeth Slack - American Peace Corps & JCO

Dietrich K Roggy - American Peace Corps & JCO

Mark Bellinger - American Peace Corps & JCO

Mike Loftin - American Peace Corps & JCO

Adam Hyde - JCO (Council)

Guy van Rentergem - JCO (Council)

Barb Gottgens - JCO

Melanie Silvera - JCO

Ann Silvera - JCO

Marcella Philips - JCO

Dr. David Lee - JCO

Delroy Williams - JCO

Minke Newman - TNC-J

Kimberly John - TNC-J

2. Methods

2.1. Indicators

2.1.1. Collaboration that involved the author of this report and several others (principally GO Graening, SE Koenig, and DA McFarlane, as described in the Forward) began in 2002 on an assessment process for conducting an inventory of the caves of Jamaica.

It was recognized early that it would not be possible to conduct a thorough examination of every cave, in every field of interest. That is to say, to determine all of the bat species would require several nights of netting; to determine every troglobitic or troglophilic species would require a couple of days to sample them (and many afterwards identifying them all); to determine the definite presence of palaeontological resources, it would take time to dig and sift in the material on the floor, or break apart breccia on chamber walls. Not only was the amount of time necessary impractical when faced with a great number of caves, the approach seemed more intrusive than circumspect. The solution arrived at was to identify certain indicators of biological, or palaeontological resources, that could quickly and easily be determined, and note primarily these. Other particular species that could be identified in the field would also be noted, but we would not carry out collection unless unidentified species of obvious interest were encountered serendipitously. If fossils were observed, they would be noted, but otherwise we would look only for breccia and floor deposits with potential, and would not disturb what had been found. With the addition of Mr. Conolley to the team, and his knowledge of Taino artefacts gained by his studies at UWI, we were able to include indicators of Amerindian use.

It was apparent to us that it would be necessary to note signs of obvious degradation, such as siltation, disturbance of bat-roosts due to guano extraction, speleothem damage, garbage, and graffiti; from the beginning, entries were included on our field sheets for these, along with room for comments. The degree of visitation would also be noted, along with any public facilities, or specific local use. We will describe the data values used to record these conditions in the introduction to Appendix A.

It would also be necessary to record the hydrological conditions of the visited sites, specifically whether they were sinks, risings, both, or dry. If they were indeed hydrologically active, we would record to what degree during the time of our visit. We will discuss our method for describing these conditions in the introduction to Appendix A.

2.1.2. We will describe below in detail the indicators that were chosen, and the rationale for their inclusion. Data points not discussed in this section will be addressed in the introduction to Appendix A.

2.1.2.1. VEGETATION/LAND-USE AT CAVE ENTRANCE: The flora and fauna immediately outside of the cave are directly related to the occurrence of species found within that are troglophiles, or that use caves opportunistically. In addition to the biological importance of the land-use at the entrance, siltation becomes a factor in degradation when the flow of water into a cave is directly across cultivated land. (This is to be expected, but by noting land-use, along with degrees of siltation, we have been able to make the association more definite than our previous anecdotal evidence). The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

We have used the following designations for land-use:

Forest - Land that is primarily old-growth forest, with logging having been selective. Full canopy.

Bush - Land that has been heavily logged in the past, but was never cleared, and consists primarily of secondary-growth forest. Partial canopy.

Scrub - Land that was completely cleared for agriculture, or pasture, in the past, but is now in a state of partial re-growth. Characterized by shrubs and invasive ferns. No canopy.

Meadow - Seasonal flood-lands that are located in cockpit bottoms. Forest growth is prevented by regular inundation. No canopy.

Pasture - Agricultural land that is not cultivated, but regularly grazed by livestock. No canopy.

Farm - Land that now, or in the recent past, is under cultivation. Ground cover is minimal other than crops. The majority of the soil is not bound by roots. No canopy.

2.1.2.2. VEGETATION/LAND-USE IN GENERAL LOCALE: The flora and fauna of the extended area outside of a cave are directly related to the species of bats that might be found in it. Different species require different food sources. Knowing if a cave is located in a district that is primarily farming, or primarily bush, forest, or somewhere in between, indicates the potential for finding any particular species in it. Our criteria for land-use is as found in the section above. The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.1.2.3. PERCENTAGE OF CAVE IN DARK ZONE: Of the listed sites, some are entirely in the twilight zone (the area in a cave where light penetrates at some point during the day), and some are in constant darkness other than near the entrance. The well-lit caves are usually shelter caves to one degree or another, and they are listed for palaeo or cultural reasons.

The biota of a cave is dependent on certain factors, and an important one of these is the amount of light present. That is to say, cave-adapted species will not be found in caves that have no dark-zone, and species of bats that are not light tolerant will also be absent. By filtering out caves that have no dark-zone, you remove those sites that will not have troglobitic species, and not house certain species of bats.

We have given the dark-zone area as a percentage. This value is estimated, but gives a good indication of what is found. The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.1.2.4. HUMIDITY: The humidity of a cave is associated with what might be living in it. We did not have an accurate way to measure this, but were able to record whether caves were Dry (ambient humidity of the area outside of the cave), Semi-humid (not outside ambient, but less than 100%), or Humid (100% humidity, evidenced by floating water droplets seen in the beams of our headlamps). The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.1.2.5. TEMPERATURE: Again, we did not measure this, but have noted it as Cool (the common temperature found in deep Jamaican caves which we have measured in the past to be close to 20 C), Warm (greater than 20 C but not at outside ambient), and Hot (outside ambient). The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.1.2.6. BAT NUMBERS: This records the approximate number of bats, if any, that were observed in each cave during the time of our visit. We did not attempt to do anything but give a rough approximation. Our values were: None, <100, <500, >500, >5000. This is crude, but it gives a good idea of whether there are just a few, a small population, a medium sized population, or a large colony of probably mixed species.

2.1.2.7. NUMBER OF BAT SPECIES: Without netting, it is difficult to know what species of bats are present in a cave. However, the fruit-bat Artibeus jamaicensis is the most light-tolerant species, and is the one most commonly found in caves that have no dark-zone roosting-space. With this indicator, we separate minor Artibeus roosts from those that might be of more interest, i.e. those that contain other Chiropteran species. Our values were kept simple: N/A (indicating that there were no bats), 1 (A. jamaicensis), and >1 (roosts with mixed species of bats). The use of this indicator was suggested by Koenig.

2.1.2.8. BAT LOCATION: The values were dark-zone, twilight-zone, or both. This indicator serves to reinforce the possibility of the cave having bat colonies with mixed species. The use of this indicator was suggested by Koenig.

2.1.2.9. BAT OCCUPANCY OF SUITABLE SPACE: This value is expressed as a percentage and is an estimate. It was determined by examining the ceilings of chambers for bell-holes and pockets that should supply suitable roosting space and estimating to what extent these were being used during the time of our visit. The use of this indicator was suggested by Koenig.

2.1.2.10. GUANO DEPOSITS: The presence of certain invertebrates in caves is correlated to the presence of bat guano deposits. In addition to the biological significance, deep undisturbed deposits contain valuable palaeoclimatic records. We have attempted to describe the condition of guano, when present, in some detail in our assessment. The introduction to Appendix A will address this further. The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.1.2.11. AMERICAN COCKROACH (Periplaneta americana): The American Cockroach is an introduced species that has become abundant in some caves. It is very good at what it does, which is scavenging, and it has out-competed most other invertebrate scavengers that it has come up against. The effect of this is two-fold: the native scavenging species that were not able to get to the food first starved to death (P. americana move very quickly); some of the species that were out-competed, and eradicated by the roaches, served as food for cave-adapted invert predators that then lost their prey. The result is that caves that have had P. americana introduced have seen a great loss of their original biodiversity. This problem will be addressed in more detail later in this report under Conclusions. Here, we will just give the values we used for recording their presence: None (none seen), Some (a few, but less than 1 per 10 square metres of surface area), Many (1 to 100 per square metre), Undetermined (for various reasons, we don't know). The use of this indicator was suggested by Stewart.

2.1.2.12. AMBLYPYGID: Species of this Order, in the Genus Phrynus, are one of the top predators in a pristine Jamaican cave. The presence of a predator gives a good indication of the presence of other species lower on the food chain. There are at least two species of Phrynus found in Jamaican caves, and because they are relatively large, they were chosen as an easily observed indicator of the general biological health of the cave. The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening.

2.1.2.13. NEODITOMYIA FARRI: This species is usually seen in its larval form, when it creates hanging threads, somewhat like a spider, to catch and eat small flying insects (usually Diptera). They are a predator that feeds on different species than Amblypygids, and were included for the same reason as the Amblypygids. The use of this indicator originated with Stewart.

2.1.2.14. ARANEAE: Cave-adapted Spiders are a well-represented Order in biologically diverse Jamaican caves. They are a predator, as are the preceding two indicators, and were chosen for this reason. When possible, we have identified species, but when not we have simply given the number of different species observed. This has been limited to cave-adapted species, determined by body morphology. The use of this indicator originated with Graening.

2.1.2.15. SESARMA VERLEYI: This is the most common of the crab species found in Jamaican caves and a true stygobite. Two other species are occasionally found in Cockpit Country caves, S. windsor, and S. fossarum, and we have noted their presence in the database when these were found, but we have made S. verleyi the main indicator for stygobites, because if they are not present, it cannot be expected that other stygobites will be found. The use of this indicator originated with Stewart.

2.1.2.16. ELEUTHERODACTYLUS CUNDALLI: This is a very particular frog that bears its young in the outer sections of Jamaican caves. It is a fascinating species, and information will be easily found for it by searching the Internet. It is not a troglobite, and forages outside of the caves at night. We have included it as an indicator of the health of the connectivity between the outside, and inside, of the cave entrances. When the land outside of caves is greatly disturbed, such as by farming, the presence of this species will be greatly affected. The use of this indicator originated with Koenig.

2.1.2.17. UVAROVIELLA CAVICOLA: This is the common Jamaican Cave Cricket. They are not found in every cave, only in those that supply habitat for other trog species. It gives a good indication of the presence of associated invert species, and is easy to observe. The use of this indicator originated with Stewart.

2.1.2.18. PALAEO RESOURCES: For the PiP Project, this primarily indicated the presence of bone breccia. We noted this only when it seemed to have real potential, based upon what we have learned from Dr. McFarlane. Only old hard material was listed; soft, younger deposits were not. The use of this indicator originated with McFarlane.

2.1.2.19. ARCHAEO RESOURCES: Taino sites that were found by us to have petroglyphs and potsherds have been noted. No sites with pictograms were found in the project area. No excavations were carried out, but there could be potential for this in the sites we have listed as Amerindian. The use of this indicator originated with Conolley.

2.1.2.20. VISITORS PER YEAR: The degree of visitation has a great effect on a cave. We attempted to determine through observation and inquiry how often every cave was being visited by humans. The number given is an estimate, but will give a good indication of whether the cave is generally left alone, visited occasionally, or visited often. The values used are: 0, <50, or >50, per year. The use of this indicator originated with Koenig.

2.1.2.21. VULNERABILITY: This entry is somewhat subjective, and has been derived by way of criteria that will be explained in both the introduction to Appendix A, and Conclusions (section 4.4). The values are Low, Medium, and High. The use of this indicator was suggested by Graening and Koenig.

2.2. Georeferencing

2.2.1. The primary reference source for the caves of the island is the book, Jamaica Underground, by Alan G Fincham. This marvellous work presents not only his own discoveries, but also those of all who preceded him. It offers a wealth of valuable information, in an easily accessible form. Unfortunately, any who have used the given coordinates to search for caves have soon become aware of the varying accuracy of the quoted positions. This is through no fault of Dr. Fincham, as he was the conduit for, not the originator of, most of the positional data, and it is not surprising in the first place that poor accuracies would be the case, for every single entry describes visits made prior to the removal of Selective Availability from the Global Positioning System in May of 2000, and the vast majority took place before the GPS even existed. Locations for caves were determined afterwards, by the use of topographical maps. In districts such as the Cockpit Country, this can be a confusing endeavour. As a result, the errors are commonly on the order of several hundred metres, and at times over a kilometre. It can be easily imagined how difficult it is to find a small cave entrance, in a large tropical bush, which has a position with an accuracy of plus/minus hundreds of metres. If the cave is well-known, and is listed with its local name, one merely asks the people of the district; if it is something that was found by a visiting speleo team, in the bush, where no one lives, and given a name that no one who lives there has ever heard, it is difficult to find it without many hours of searching. Then, of course, if one also finds several unlisted caves in the process, it is difficult to know which was the originally listed site.

Being very aware of this situation, the author of this report first attempted to take advantage of GPS technology in the late 1990's, but the error introduced by SA would result in positional drifts of more than 100m for a stationary receiver in the course of 20 minutes, and it was found to be of limited use. In May of 2000, the SA was suddenly removed, and GPS became of immediate value in nailing down which cave was which. In the future, we would at times be uncertain as to what JU listed cave we had found, but we would at least be able to plot it on a map in a way that would allow it to be found again by anyone, with certainty, and we had the WGS84 positions that could be used in any GPS receiver. When WAAS became available two years later (described below), we accordingly upgraded our GPS gear to take advantage of this.

2.2.2. Positional information for the PiP Project was obtained with a Garmin GPS76 GPS receiver, WAAS-enabled, used in most cases with an external antenna. Intermittent problems with the antenna were encountered during the first expedition, causing us to have to rely on the internal antenna at times, but this was sorted out entirely for the second, longer expedition. Nevertheless, the receiver itself remained in good working order the entire time, and at those times when the external antenna was out of commission, we surveyed to an open point where a satisfactory position could be obtained with the internal antenna, and then calculated the true entrance coordinates afterwards using the survey vector that had been recorded. (Problems of this nature are rather unavoidable when using electronic equipment in the extreme conditions involved with caving. Although the GPS and antenna are stored in a dry-bag during our time in caves, they are being beaten around nonetheless. When in use in the bush, outside of the caves, the cable to the antenna is invariably catching on things and getting strained at the connection to the receiver. Organisations with suitable financial resources would be expected to have two full sets of GPS gear, but unfortunately, the JCO cannot afford this).

2.2.3. The accuracy of the received positions varies according to several parameters. These include: the number of satellites being received; the trigonometric spread of the satellites; and ionospheric disturbance. We will address these in more detail below.

2.2.3.1. It is necessary to receive signals from at least three satellites to establish a horizontal position. Four or more satellites allow 3D positions (i.e. including altitude). As would be expected, the accuracy increases as more satellites are received, with a maximum of 12 possible on the Garmin GPS76. It is rare that as many as 12 satellites would be received, and in fact the JCO has only one cave position with that number out of the over 200 positions that we have obtained since May 2000. A reasonable number of satellites needed to obtain an accuracy of better than +/- 5m would be 6 to 8, depending on the trigonometric spread.

2.2.3.2. The GPS system uses triangulation to establish a position on the Earth's surface, and the accuracy of the technique increases as the angular spread of the received satellites increases. The GPS constellation consists of 24 satellites in orbits that cause them to vary their apparent location as time passes (unlike the WAAS satellite described below which stays in one fixed point in the sky). At any given time, all of the visible satellites may be grouped in one part of the sky (as seen from a cockpit), or they may be spread out. If it is the latter case, four available satellites can give an accuracy as good as five that are more closely grouped.

2.2.3.3. The last factor, varying transmission signal paths due to ionospheric disturbance, is greatly mitigated by the use of the Wide Area Augmentation System, WAAS, which supplies corrections determined by ground-station monitoring that are transmitted from a dedicated geosynchronous satellite over the Atlantic. Because there is only one satellite available to receive this from, and it is in a geosynchronous orbit that causes it to orbit at the same rate as the Earth's rotation, making it stay at the same point in the sky, WAAS reception is very dependent on the surrounding topography. A location in a deep cockpit, that has hills blocking the signal from all parts of it, will not have WAAS corrections available. When it is available, sub-metre accuracy is possible with the reception of eight or more satellites.

2.2.3.4. Accuracy can be increased with "averaging", which simply involves letting the GPS receiver run for a certain amount of time, and then plotting the position in the middle of the track-drift. Over the course of 5-10 minutes, while in a fixed location, the apparent position will drift back and forth, as accuracy varies. Given enough time, it will describe the true location, which will be found in the middle of the drift, and this is where the waypoint will be taken (done by using the cursors in most receivers).

2.2.3.5. When the location of the desired position does not allow suitable satellite reception (such as a cave entrance under an overhanging cliff), it is necessary to find a point further away, where reception is improved, and then survey between the two points (this can often be done with only one survey leg). For this reason, it is important to have a good quality compass (we use a Brunton Eclipse), and a survey tape. Magnetic deviation must be taken into account when using the compass, especially with long survey legs.

2.2.4. We recorded GPS reception details on our field sheets that would allow us to supply a rough indication of the reliability of the coordinates that were obtained while carrying out our fieldwork on the PiP Project. This consisted of WAAS availability, and total satellite number, along with comments on how stable the position was when averaging. We have done this in the past, and have been able to determine approximate degrees of accuracy on subsequent return visits to cave entrances. It is not foolproof, but generally gives a good indication of how trustworthy the position is.

2.2.5. We have included our estimate of the accuracy of every GPS-georeferenced position in both the database and this report, although the reception information only appears in the database. We have been somewhat conservative in our estimates and some positions quoted as +/- 15m might be much better than this. We have generally limited our estimates of +/- 5m to those where we had 7 or more satellites in view, WAAS available, and a position that repeated almost exactly when the GPS was turned off and then turned back on to check again. We must note that this technique of checking twice, with the receiver turned off in between, was used as often as possible to ensure that there were no gross errors. A further check on the trustworthiness of the positions was done by plotting them on the topo maps afterwards, and comparing them to our recollection of the topography.

Although we believe that most of the supplied coordinates have accuracies to within the stated allowances, it must be noted that we recorded over 100 positions during the project and we have little doubt that a few of them might turn out to be less accurate than we thought. We encourage all who use the supplied positional data to inform us when gross errors are encountered. We suggest that the techniques described above for improving accuracy be used to ensure that our original data was indeed in error.

2.3. Datum transformations

2.3.1. All of the original positional data is in the geodetic GPS datum, WGS84. In this report, and the database, these coordinates are the most accurate. We have given them only in latitude and longitude, because most GPS receivers will convert on the fly to the other WGS84 coordinate system commonly used, which is UTM. For the sake of users of maps referenced to one of the two main Jamaican datums, these being JAD69 and JAD2001, we have used Geotrans to convert the original WGS84 coordinates into these systems. They will be found in both the report and the database.

2.3.2. There are several versions of the JAD69 datum parameters in existence. In fact, the datum was never accurately defined before its recent abandonment in favour of JAD2001. We have chosen to use the parameters defined by Newsome and Harvey for transformations. These, along with a walk-through of the WGS84 - JAD69 datum transform will be found below.

2.3.2.1. JAD69 is based on a non-geocentric Clarke ellipsoid established in 1866 that in Jamaica differs from WGS84 by hundreds of metres. The datum shift causes the natural origin of the Jamaica Metre Grid, 18º N, 77º W, to be situated apx. 311 metres to the NNE of what a GPS will call the same latitude and longitude. In short, the latitudes and longitudes found on the Jamaican topos must be converted to WGS84, or the GPS datum must be user-defined to JAD69, to have the two agree. At this time, no handheld GPS units include JAD69 in the datum list and the user-defined datum parameters are poorly defined.

2.3.2.2. The following parameters have been used in all JCO JAD69 datum transforms. We believe these to be the most accurate of the three sets that we possess. For our own purposes, we have designated it JAD69_3. The ellipsoid is Clarke 1866. The parameters are: dx 65.33 +/- 0.96 m, dy 212.46 +/- 1.49 m, dz 387.63 +/-0.69 m (published by Mugnier from Newsome and Harvey).

2.3.2.3. To use these numbers, download Geotrans, and then in Geotrans create a new datum with a Clarke 1866 ellipsoid (CC). Enter the dx, dy, dz, and make the valid domain a few degrees either side of 77 W, 18 N. Click OK. In the lower window, set the datum to the one you have just created, then set the projection to Lambert Conformal Conic. Enter 77 W for the meridian, 18 N for the origin latitude, and 18 N for both standard parallels. Make the False Easting 250000 and the False Northing 150000. Enter your GPS lat/long positions into the upper window, with the datum at WGS84 (WGE), and then convert upper to lower. The Easting and Northing displayed in the lower window are the Jamaica Metre Grid coordinates used on the 1:50k topo maps. You can of course run the conversion in reverse to turn JMG coords into WGS84 L/L.

2.3.3. The parameters for JAD2001 follow:
Lambert Conformal Conic Projection
Datum: WGS84
False Easting: 750000m
False Northing 650000m
Latitude of 1st Parallel: 18 N
Latitude of 2nd Parallel: 18 N
Longitude of Central Meridian: 77 W
Latitude of origin of projection: 18 N
Spheroid Name: WGS84

2.3.3.1. It should be first noted that the spheroid is WGS84. This means that JAD 2001 is a datum in name only; it is in fact the reference spheroid against which datums are offset. There is one great advantage to this and one significant disadvantage.

The advantage, of course, is that there is no need for a datum transformation to convert Jamaica Grid Coordinates to WGS84, and visa versa; one merely deals with the projection, the False Easting, and the False Northing. A 2D position will have the same latitude and longitude in both JAD 2001 and WGS84, thus ensuring that errors are not introduced by dodgy datum parameters when GPS derived positions are turned into Ja grid coordinates.

The disadvantage is caused by the geoid height. To put it simply, WGS84 sea level is not the actual level of the sea in Jamaica. Because of variations in the Earth's mass concentrations and resultant equipotential surface, the planet's true sea level, the orthometric height, is not a perfect spheroid, but instead bulges in some places and is dimpled in others. The WGS84 spheroid is just the best fit, not a perfect model of the Earth's surface. To compensate for this, we have a dataset that is not a model but is empirically derived. The name for this is the WGS84 EGM96 geoid. It will tell you the actual, local altitude for a particular WGS84 position. We can therefore see that this geoid height problem is not such a great disadvantage and is easily overcome. An online Geoid Calculator can be found at NIMA (note: orthometric Height = GPS ellipsoidal height - geoid height).

We present below a walk-through of how to convert WGS84 L/L to JAD2001 using Geotrans.

2.3.3.2. Open Geotrans, and leave both the upper and lower windows at the default datum, "WGE"; this is WGS84. In the lower window, click where it says, "Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)", and by using the drop down menu on the right, set it instead at "Lambert Conformal Conic". You will then see a new choice of variables and these must be entered as: Central Meridian: 77 0 0.0 W, Origin Latitude: 18 0 0.0 N, 1st Std Parallel: 18 0 0.0 N, 2nd Std Parallel: 18 0 0.0 N, False Easting (m): 750000, False Northing (m): 650000. You are now ready to convert positions.

In the upper window, enter your Geodetic Lat/Lon positions and click, "Convert: Upper -> Lower". In the lower window, the result is where it says "Easting/X (m)" and "Northing/Y (m)". These are the JAD2001 Metre Grid Coords. You can reverse the procedure by entering the JMG in the lower window and converting Lower -> Upper.

2.3.4. To convert from JAD69 to JAD2001, and back, you will need to create the JAD69 datum in Geotrans and use the methods described above.

2.4. Species Identification

2.4.1. We have received assistance in identifying invertebrates found in caves primarily from Dr Stewart Peck, of Carleton University, and Dr. Christoph Schubart of the University of Regensberg. As much as possible, we attempted to do this photographically, but some collection did take place. Collected specimens were stored in 70% ethyl alcohol for those that would be determined through body morphology, and 95% ethyl alcohol for those that would be identified by DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing was limited to stygobitic crabs and shrimp, and continues to be carried out by Dr Schubart.

Project funding did not allow us to pay experts to identify species, so we have relied on the goodwill, and free help, of Dr Peck and Dr Schubart. Accordingly, things are not progressing as quickly as we would like and many of the specimens collected remain unidentified at this time. This backlog will eventually be taken care of and we will issue a supplement to this report, to be delivered electronically to TNC-J, when identification is complete.

2.4.2. Identification of particular species in the past has allowed the author of this report to determine their presence when encountered in caves. Amongst these are Gaucelmus cavernicola, Troglopedetes jamaicensis, Sesarma verleyi, Sesarma windsor, Nelipophygus sp, Neodytomyia farri, and water striders in the family Veliidae. As time passes, and we have more species identified by our collaborators, the list grows longer. It is our intention to eventually publish a field key to Jamaican cave-adapted invertebrates, and the JCO will forward a digital copy of this to TNC-J when it reaches full fruition.

2.5. Determination of Hydrological Activity

2.5.1. In our assessment, hydrology is addressed in some detail. The introduction to Appendix A will describe the data values used, but we will discuss here the methods used for determining activity.

2.5.2. The caves of the Cockpit Country may be broadly grouped into two sets. These are: those that consist of stream passages that are active at least during rainy times, and those that never see an actual flow, but in some cases do have an input of water through percolation from the land above. We have called these two sets Wet and Dry.

Stream passage caves that have an actual flow of water during rainy times can be quite dry at other times. To differentiate between these caves, and those that consist of fossil stream passages that are always dry, we looked to the terrain immediately outside of the entrances. In most cases, seasonally active stream caves will have some sort of streambed at the entrance. It might be dry at the time of the visit, but it will clearly show if there is at least occasional activity. The topography will also indicate if the entrance is a sink (i.e. taking water from the outside), or a rising (i.e. a resurgence). If the streambed found at the entrance runs across land that drops in elevation as one moves away from the cave, it cannot feed water into the cave. This might seem obvious, but if one looks only at the entrance, not the surrounding terrain, it will be uncertain which way the water is flowing in the rains unless the slope is pronounced. We used two methods to be sure of direction of flow: actual examination of the terrain while in the field, and examination of the topographical maps afterwards, when the positions obtained with the GPS were plotted.

2.5.3. Determination of hydrological activity inside the cave, in passages, was done by looking for stranded detritus on walls and ceilings. When a cave takes water, inevitably some material is washed in. In the past, this would consist entirely of organic material, but in many cases now the detritus also consists of trash and litter. Along with bamboo leaves stuck to the walls, there will be plastic bags, etc (in one case in St James, we have observed a large tire hanging on a stalagmite). The organic debris is very good for showing the time elapsed since the last flooding of the passage, because the older it is, the more rotten it is. One cannot say how many months it has been, but one knows if it has been months, or years. Examining how far this detritus extends vertically in the cave directly shows how high the water rose during the last flood period. In some cases, the debris will be hanging on formations on the ceiling, indicating that the passage flooded to the roof. In caves where this occurs, the invertebrate species present will be different from those caves that always retain some dry space.

2.5.4. Caves that are risings can still have organic debris, trash and litter in them. This will occur when there is an upstream sink into the cave that feeds detritus to the system. That sink may be another "entrance" to the cave, and allow human entry, or it may be impassable because of siltation or boulder-chokes, and is thusly not considered an entrance. We have determined the locations of choked sinks for several caves that are risings (e.g. Swanga), and included this information in both the notes and the database.

2.6. Field Techniques

2.6.1. We will quote extensively from information available on the JCO website in this section. We present first a description of our field techniques, and our recommendations for an overall approach (2.6.2), and then general guidance for cavers and researchers who might not be familiar with conditions in the field in Jamaica (2.6.3).

2.6.2. Our approach to cave exploration and monitoring on the island of Jamaica differs from the traditional methods employed in the initial surveys and route finding of the past. Although the work accomplished by the GSD, NSS, JCC, Bristol U. et al. [1] was truly invaluable and provided the base upon which subsequent exploration and monitoring could proceed, the advantages gained by the use of large parties when balanced against the potential for harm to the cave environment suggested that a different approach was needed.

The progression of Mountaineering methods, from the early years of Mallory, through the “siege tactics” employed for the first ascents of Annapurna, K2, Kangchejunga, and Everest and on to the, “fast and light”, approach favoured during the seventies and eighties, can serve as a useful analogy for caving techniques. It was found that although the use of large parties, great quantities of gear, food, and logistical calculations could indeed put someone at the summit, the increased risk and costs, both human and monetary, made the structure created fragile and expensive. Improvements in Single Rope Techniques eventually enabled small teams to be more certain of achieving the sought after result, and “siege tactics”, became something only currently employed in the tourist industry. As in mountaineering, improvement in rope and gear has created new opportunities and enabled a small team to safely and thoroughly monitor and explore unfamiliar or new caves in a short time with minimal harm to the environment by using only SRT and temporary protection. We will outline below the methods used and the advantages gained.

2.6.2.1. Size of Team

The optimal number of cavers engaged in any one cave is three. Two is insufficient for any self-rescue attempt; it requires two team members to transport an injured caver out of a cave. The use of a fourth member will slow the progress on difficult ground, especially when talus slopes and rockfall are factors. Communications will be less efficient; the larger the team, the more chance there is for confusion. Interaction with the cave ecosystem and the possibility of damage to formations requires the use of the smallest possible team. As seen above that number is three. That said, the JCO often uses four people, but broken into two teams of two people each who know the location of the others and can provide mutual assistance. To make this work, there must be definite rendezvous times arranged beforehand

2.6.2.2. Rope

With modern nylon rope, there is no need for cable ladders. However, the frequent presence of sharp rock in Jamaican caves, when combined with the use of SRT, makes the use of 11mm static nylon rope the best choice rather than the lighter lines often used by mountaineers. If all ropes and webbing are inspected regularly for wear and damage, then the use of cable ladders does not need to be considered. The great weight involved is unnecessary with a team of three and proper SRT, and there will be less damage done to the cave because of the use of a smaller group. Large teams are only necessary when ladders are used.

2.6.2.3. Anchors and Protection

All anchors must be temporary. SRT when used with tubular webbing slings on natural anchors eliminates the need for bolting on all movement downward into a cave system. This is the scenario encountered most frequently in Jamaica. In most caves, there will be natural protection in the form of boulders or large stalagmites available at some distance. Tubular nylon webbing with a width of 25mm is very light, very strong, has little tendency to roll on rock and does minimal damage to formation structure. Slings should be placed around the anchors, then caribinered to the static rope. The length of the sling must be such that the carabiner and the sling lines will form an angle of no greater than 90 degrees; i.e., slings should always be of a circumference at least 50% greater then that of the anchor. The angle formed by the static rope and two anchors should not be greater than 90 degrees. [2]. Long single lengths can be extended to the edge of the drop, if necessary. Long lengths of webbing should be brought along on every expedition so that two anchors may be found up to a distance of 50m from the pitch. It should be noted that webbing by nature of its flat profile is less liable to be cut by rolling on a sharp edge at the lip of the drop. Rope protection in the form of a pad or slit hose should be strongly considered if it is necessary to have the static rope in contact with sharp edges. All caribiners should be of the locking type. Deviations or re-belays should use only natural anchors slung with webbing. If initial upward movement cannot be achieved through belayed climbing using slung chockstones, non-fragile formations or rocks, or by the use of lightweight maypoles, the route should be abandoned; preservation of the cave structure must be given priority.

2.6.2.4. Descent and Ascent

Descents on anything other than very long drops are most easily accomplished with the use of a Figure-8. The weight saved when compared to Racks is considerable; the simple nature of their use makes them much less prone to being set improperly when compared to more complicated mechanical descent devices. On pitches greater than 30m, Racks are to be preferred due to their greater ability to absorb and radiate heat built up through friction. The use of a safety brake in the form of a Prusik knot is not recommended due to the doubtful outcome in the case of an out of control rappeller. The wisest course is to ensure that the other team members are not in a position to cause rockfall onto the rappeller. This careful positioning of team members at both the top and bottom of pitches, when strictly adhered, to will eliminate the chance of an experienced caver losing control on a descent. The only real danger encountered is rockfall and if the person on rappel is not hit, then there is no need for a belay or anything other than SRT.

Ascenders of a quality comparable to Jumars, when used correctly, negate the need for a third “safety” ascender. Use of the European, “frog”, system [3], with the upper Jumar backed up with a tie-in to the seat harness is not only safe but eliminates the extra weight of a third ascender or problems associated with Prusik knots as a backup. An easily tied length of webbing can be substituted for the chest harness to keep the chest Jumar in place. This system is more energy efficient than rope-walking methods on long pitches and permits the passing of diversions, re-belays and knots more easily. If all tying in, and setting up of gear is checked thoroughly before the ascent, there is no need for belaying. The two other team members will be out of the rockfall zone, or if at the top of the pitch, in a position where nothing can be dropped onto the ascending climber. Etriers of suitable length can be useful at the top of a pitch, especially in the case of overhangs. Climbers should stay attached by the Jumars to the rope until a completely safe stance is reached.

2.6.2.5. Movement on Talus Slopes

Steep talus slopes such as the second entrance at Bristol Cave and the top entrance at Windsor Great Cave require special precautions. There is a real danger of starting a serious rockslide; movement must be cautious and staged. The use of long static ropes and gear on this type of ground often makes the situation worse. The rope will tend, in its natural to and fro motion, to dislodge rocks directly above the caver who is on-rope. Progress is best accomplished through delicate movement by the caver and an awareness of the danger. Only one caver should move at a time; the other two cavers should be stationary. Look for the most probable route of falling rocks and then find a good stance as safely out of the way as possible. The caver in motion must take all care to avoid dislodging rocks but it should be noted that there is a likelihood that rocks will indeed fall.

2.6.2.6. Light and Batteries

All lights should be electric. The effect of combustion by-products on cave fauna is undetermined; carbide should be avoided. The three members of the team should each carry two primary sources of light and one backup. The two primary sources should consist of a headlamp mounted on the safety helmet and a hand lamp for conditions when insect numbers preclude the use of the headlamp. The backup light can be as small as a Mini-Mag but should have fresh alkaline batteries and should never be used unless necessary. It is helpful if one of the team has a powerful 6V tight-beam hand-lamp for finding openings in large chambers. The hand-lamps should be attached with small diameter Kevlar line or webbing to the harness to prevent loss on difficult ground. Each caver should use only one light at a time, when possible, and turn off all lights during rest stops. Each caver should carry one set of extra batteries and spare bulbs for every light. If rechargeable batteries are used, they must be at least Ni-Cad and the duration of the battery life must be determined. It is advisable for every caver to have one of the extra sets be fresh alkaline batteries. It should be remembered that the shelf life of batteries in Jamaica is usually short due to the ambient heat during storage.

2.6.2.7. Route Marking

Route marking should be of a temporary nature. It is best achieved by the use of flagging ribbon removed after use. The cave system should be left as it was found. All junctions should have the initial entry passage marked in a manner that indicates the ultimate way out. This can be done by using different colours of ribbon or doubling the ribbon in the direction towards the entrance. On unfamiliar ground flags should be visible from adjacent flags. The use of Scotchlite reflective cloth ribbon is to be considered despite the cost; it can be reused many times and is easily visible in low light conditions. An accurate compass should be brought into the cave system and consulted often by the lead caver to maintain orientation. Altimeters can be useful in many situations although their accuracy is problematic in conditions of high humidity or rapidly changing barometric pressure. Physical surveys are best carried out with a non-intrusive method such as laser range finding to avoid widespread interaction with the cave floor. Compaction destroys the habitat for many floor dwelling invertebrates.

2.6.2.8. Self-Rescue and Safety

It is unwise to assume that outside help will be available in the case of injury or confusion over the route, in any Jamaican cave. You must be prepared to get yourselves out. That being said, in cave systems with multiple pitches it is advisable to have, when possible, a strong, responsible member of the local community at the top of the first drop. Injuries are least likely to occur when the movement is vertical on rope; more likely is a bad fall on slippery or rocky ground. If problems arise, it will probably be in the form of bad cuts, abrasions and broken limbs. A basic first-aid kit is advisable. Include compression bandages and lightweight splints. If faced with serious injuries, yam-sticks, bamboo etc., are often near to entrances and, when used with webbing and harness, can be used as a very functional stretcher. Bring two carabiner slung pulleys and adequate rope for mechanical advantage up pitches. Wear a helmet and strong boots. Take as few chances as possible. Never, ever get lost. Always consider the worst-case scenario and how you would respond to it. Remember at all times that caving is inherently dangerous.

2.6.2.9. Cave Etiquette

Never has the old adage, “Tread lightly upon the land”, been more appropriate than in the case of caves. Cave environments are fragile both biologically and structurally. Those of us who are fortunate enough to gain access to these hidden places bear a great responsibility; the preservation of that which attracts us. Formations that have taken tens of thousands of years to grow can be destroyed by one wrong move. Bat populations, especially during the time before the pups are weaned, are highly susceptible to harm during even brief entries into caves. Troglobytic crabs and other invertebrates can be crushed underfoot by a careless caver. The overall health of the cave system must always have top priority. First and foremost in the mind of any caver in Jamaica must be the question, “Am I doing harm?” If the answer is, “Maybe”, then the expedition must be reconsidered. Some of the caves that once supplied habitat for bats retain substantial colonies. Some show historical evidence of bat occupation, in the form of staining, and guano, but have been abandoned because of human activity [4]. When passing through caves with existing bat populations it is essential to keep light and noise to a minimum. Avoid shining lights toward the roof of the chambers. Spend as little time as possible in roosting areas. Many invertebrates make their homes in the loose guano found on the floors of biologically active caves. Compaction is a danger to these creatures and is best minimized by keeping to one track. Try to establish a route that all three can stay on and use it for every passage through the cave. Formations should never be wilfully broken or removed. Cavers must resist the temptation to leave signs of their visit to a cave system [5]. Collection devices and bottles used for research purposes must be removed as soon as their purpose has been served [6]. Researchers should avoid leaving permanent markings [7]. Any available opportunity should be taken advantage of to educate local Jamaicans in the factors influencing the health of their cave. This is best done over cold Red Stripes, at the closest shop, in a friendly and respectful manner.

2.6.2.10. The advantages gained by employing a small party of cavers using SRT to explore and monitor caves are two-fold: The expedition is fast, light, flexible and requires a much smaller outlay of monetary and human capital. The damage done to the cave environment is minimized by the avoidance of cable ladders, the small number of cavers on the team and by spending the least amount of time interfering with the cave ecosystem. Fewer lights are required, noise is reduced, less compaction of guano is caused and there is a lessened chance of invertebrates being walked on. The Single Rope Techniques required are trustworthy and proven. Thorough familiarity with SRT methods is necessary before entry into a cave, but the skills are easily learned and used. The use of large survey parties in the future should be reconsidered, despite the great work accomplished in the past.

2.6.2.11. [1] “Jamaica Underground”, Fincham, ISBN 976-640-036-9, pages 1-8
[2] “On Rope”, Padgett and Smith, ISBN 0-9615093-2-5, page 61
[3] “On Rope”, page 160
[4] e.g. Bristol Cave, Feb, 2002
[5] Club graffiti at bottom of first drop at Deeside Roaring River Cave.
[6] Sesarma collection bottle abandoned in Bamboo Bottom passage for several years, Windsor Great Cave.
[7] Green spray paint marking route from Bamboo Bottom entrance to pool, Windsor Great Cave.

2.6.3. The following section is generally intended for first-time visitors to Jamaica, and we present it here for those who might read this report in Foreign and contemplate a trip to the island to explore its caves.

2.6.3.1. Logistics (getting where you're going with what you need).

Transportation will usually present difficulties for visiting cavers. The three options are: to rent, to hire a driver, or to buy a car.

The first choice, to rent, while seeming chancy to a person handing over a credit card, is a viable option. Most of the car rental companies are as trustworthy as those found anywhere else on the planet. The increased mobility, and lack of the time constraints imposed by having a driver waiting, will make it possible to do a lot more caving. Be sure to get a car with good clearance. Despite the extra cost, a 4 x 4 can be very worthwhile and will always get you where you want to go. Smaller vehicles such as Starletts and Corollas can also be suitable depending on the districts that you intend to visit.

However, if you're nervous about driving on the left, concerned about putting down the deposit on the credit card, or intimidated by the madmen taxi-drivers who careen around the roads of Jamaica, then consider hiring a driver. This will require careful, lengthy, negotiations with at least several drivers. You will have no problem finding a number of candidates from which to choose. Firstly, try to determine which one is least likely to rush you for more $$ when you are in the field. Make sure that he understands that he might be getting back late. Make sure he has a vehicle with suitable clearance for the rough roads you will encounter. Compare prices and try to get the best deal from the most honest person. Do not head off into the hills with someone who seems dodgy.

The third option, if you expect to visit Jamaica often or already live there, is to buy a car. Lada Station Wagons can be purchased for a reasonable cost, have good clearance and traction, and parts are cheap and available. It ends up being much cheaper in the end, if you intend to do a lot of caving. Make sure you shop around; don't be timid about haggling.

Whatever way you travel, expect rough roads, wandering livestock, large cane trucks suddenly coming around corners, and flat tires. Try to not let it get to you.

When heading into the hills to cave, always go prepared. In addition to ropes, vertigear, batteries, bulbs, helmet, headlamp, maps, flagging and all the other equipment necessary for entering a cave, you'll need food, water, and money.

It will not always be possible to find food and water in the vicinity of the caves. Although small shops are common in rural areas of the island, some caves will be so remote that you will be either eating what you have brought or you will be going hungry.

Water can be an even greater problem. Be sure to bring as much as you can carry, and expect to go through over 2 litres per person per day. The climate of Jamaica is hot, even on a cool day, and those unaccustomed to these temperatures will sweat profusely both in and out of the caves. Tales are told of tourists who have almost died of dehydration after having ventured on long hikes into the hills without an adequate supply of water. If you seem to have extra near the end of the day, and your back is feeling the effects of having carried too many kilos, then you can always pour it out to lighten the load, but never do this until you know for certain that what remains will be enough to last for the hike out.

Bring money. Bring real money, not plastic, in Jamaican dollars. Wean yourself from dependence on bank or credit cards. Forget everything everyone has told you about using U.S. dollars, and bring an adequate supply of Jamaican cash in denominations smaller than the 1,000$ bills, commonly know as Joshua's, that the cambios will try to give you. They are almost unspendable because no one in the hills will ever be able to make change for such a large bill. The best bills to bring are 100$. Bring a good supply, you won't be mugged or robbed of them. Be brave; carry cash.

If you have done things properly, you will now be in the hills, in the right parish and district, and ready to look for a cave.

2.6.3.2. Site Location (finding the entrance).

There are a number of "Show-caves" on the Island, and although these consist mostly of grottos located near resorts along the coast, some large inland caves may be easily located and will usually have someone close-by that will act as a guide and give you a "tour". If you have no, or limited, experience with caving, it is suggested that you start with one of these tours. For those who have had at least some experience in the underground, and who will be seeking rarely visited systems that seldom see tourists, the actual finding of the cave entrance can be very difficult.

Cavers interested in serious caving in Jamaica are encouraged to make two purchases: Firstly, a copy of Alan Fincham's book, Jamaica Underground. It gives a good overview, and will help greatly in deciding on what caves to pursue and how to find the general area where the caves are found. Nevertheless, many of the sites listed in the book are unknown, or seldom visited, by the people of the district and the positions given are accurate to 100 metres nominally, and in practice are at times out by hundreds of metres. The entrances to many large cave systems are sometimes quite small and/or hidden in the bush; it is possible to stand 20 metres from the entrances to many caves and yet see no trace of the way in. This leads us to the second purchase: Topo maps of the 1:50,000 Metric Grid Series for the areas where one will be. These, despite the datum shift problems that render the stated latitudes and longitudes virtually worthless, are invaluable. The metric grid found on these maps is the coordinate system used in the Jamaican Cave Register. More importantly, by using the topos and standard orienteering techniques it is possible to logically deduce where a given cave may be found, and then by use of map and compass, find it.

Hydrologically active systems will always be associated with identifiable features on the topo, either as a source of a river, or a sink that take the waters of one. Often the streambeds will be dry outside of the rainy season, but the feature will be shown on the map and can be found on the ground as an obvious dry river-course.

Caves that consist of simple breakdown chambers usually have the entrances located on the sides of hills, or on saddles, and are seldom found low in a cockpit.

Sinkholes are located in cockpit bottoms, or obvious blind valleys. In fact, if the blind valley has a large enough catchment (i.e. the area funnelling the waters to the low point), then more often than not there will be some sort of sinkhole. These will often be choked or narrow fissures, but it is possible to look at the topo map and predict the presence of such a feature.

When one has completed the homework, it is time to get out in the field to find the cave. The first thing to try, always, is finding an older gentleman who has farmed, or cut lumber, in the area where the cave is thought to be. It is often possible to trade a few cigarettes, or a couple of beers, for valuable information. It can be made clear that you don't actually require any work from the person, just information about openings to caves that the person may have come across over the years. Stress that you are searching for, "a serious, dread cave, man, not just a likkle shelter", or else you may wind up hunting down countless shelter caves and waste the limited time that you'll probably have. Unless the cave has been mined for guano, the local people will have not entered it because of lack of flashlights and will be mostly familiar with shelter caves.

If no one can be found who knows of the sought after cave, then it's time to guess at the most likely place and start beating the bush. Always bring along a machete or two. They will be required if one is to stand any chance of finding a site that has no trail leading to it. Search methodically. Use the compass and try to approach it by running a grid. Either east-west or north-south, methodically sweep line after line through the bush. With much work, this will often find you the entrance. Be aware that most of the time you will not be on level ground, but will be working rocky, vined-up hillsides or bamboo-choked bottom lands.

Sometimes it will take more than one attempt to finally succeed. Sometimes you will never find the thing. Never expect 100% success because it will never happen.

Having now found the cave (think positively), you can put on the helmet, switch on the lights, and head on in. This brings us to the physical challenges to be expected once you have entered the caves of Jamaica.

2.6.3.3. In the Cave (what to expect and how to not die).

Jamaican caves are formed by the percolation, or flow, of the slightly acidic rainfall that twice a year pummels the soluble limestone in which the systems are found. The resultant terrain is called Karst topography. In the central part of the Cockpit Country, all rivers flow underground. In other areas, rivers will appear and disappear along their course as they take the easiest route to the sea. This is what makes the island such a wonderful place for cavers.

Because of the great amount of precipitation received during the two rainy seasons, May-June, and September-November, the caves of Jamaica grow much more quickly than those found in more northern parts of the world. Formations can be spectacular as a result, but this bounty of water introduces two important elements to caving on the island: mud, and flood-risk. The mud, if you are good on your feet, is merely an annoyance. The flood-risk is real and dangerous.

In many caves, the mud will make walking and scrambling treacherous. It is a rare person who does not occasionally find themselves doing a little dance of slipping and sliding as they try to stay upright. Always wear a helmet for this reason if no other. If you take a fall, it might be on to boulders far down a nasty slope, or on to sharp rocks right under your feet. You do not want to bounce your head off any of these. This mud also makes photography difficult without having fine grains of material lodged in all moving parts of the camera forever. If you bring a camera, work out a way of keeping it clean. It has been found that keeping it in a ziplock bag and only exposing the lens when shots are taken, while holding the camera with your hands on the outside of the bag, can work. There are probably other methods but give this some consideration before you go in.

The risk of rapid flooding in hydrologically active caves, during the rainy season, is real, dangerous, and must never be forgotten. We have seen water levels rise at a rate that would not be believed unless you had witnessed it yourself. This rise can be on the order of metres per hour. If you repeatedly take chances at the wrong time of year in such systems, you will eventually die in a cave. It cannot be over-stressed that you must not enter a river cave that has long stretches of low passages or crawls during the rainy season. If you do, there is a very good chance that you will end your days in a watery grave; there will be little chance of your body ever being recovered.

Assuming that you have taken precautions to avoid drowning or knocking yourself unconscious in a fall, there are still further considerations: Self-rescue, not getting lost, and etiquette.

Be aware that if you run into trouble, by getting lost or having a serious injury, no one will come to rescue you. When you are in a serious cave in Jamaica, in most cases you are on your own. No one will come to help because no one will be able to. The people of the district will not have adequate lights, gear, or expertise. They will also not be too inclined to enter a dark hole where people who supposedly know what they are doing have already come to mishap. Calls might be made to the police, once it has been noticed that you have disappeared (assuming that you've notified someone of your plans before you go into the cave), but when they arrive, if they have found the cave entrance, they too will have neither the gear nor expertise to do anything. They will call the army who will probably take one look at what you have done and write you off as goners.

You must have a minimum number of three people in the caving party so that two can assist a third injured member out of the cave. Two people alone is not good enough. The one will stand no chance of getting the other out. Do your best to avoid problems and remember: you are on your own. This is part of the attraction for some; it is refreshing to have your fate entirely in your own hands, but if caving without a vast support system on the outside to come to your rescue is not your cup of tea, forget about Jamaica.

Do not get lost. If you do, you are on your own for all of the same reasons stated above. The easiest method to keep from getting lost is to flag. Take rolls of flagging tape, a different colour for each person, and use it. Flag more than you think is necessary. No matter how well you try to remember the route that you have taken in, it will all look different on the way out. In complex caves, every flag must be visible from the adjacent flag. Come up with a system to indicate line of travel outward when T-junctions are encountered so that you avoid going in circles if you loop around to your previously marked route. Keep looking back in complex systems of small passages. You might pass a spot where a passage joins from above, not notice it, and because of inadequate flagging take the wrong passage on your return. One's natural inclination is to go up, and the upper passage will be followed by mistake. No flags will be found and confusion will ensue. Do your best to ensure that the route out is never lost. You might get lucky and recover it or you might not.

Etiquette demands that we leave the cave as we found it. This means that every effort must be made to recover the flags on the way out. Caves that you intend to visit again in the near future may be left flagged in difficult or confusing sections, but eventually every flag must go. Etiquette also requires us to take every precaution to avoid damaging formations or stirring up bats unnecessarily by shining lights on the ceilings of chambers where they roost. The cavers should also attempt to stay to one path, rather than spreading out. Compaction of material underfoot, especially in outer sections of caves where there will be more biological activity, is damaging to the troglobytic species that live there.

Remember at all times that you are just a visitor to the cave and that many others call it home. Caves in Jamaica are biological islands, with rich and diverse communities of living creatures dwelling in the dark. Take time to look closely and carefully at these. Consider how you might do less damage to their habitat. Show some respect.

We now move on to cultural considerations involved in Jamaican caving.

2.6.3.4. Cultural Considerations (giving respect and getting respect).

If you live in Jamaica, you can skip the next part. If not, please continue.

Although many people visit Jamaica and never see anything other than a resort, for you things will be different. You will get to see the real Jamaica, the one that the resort bunch will never experience. This is a good thing.

If possible, do not stay on the coast; find a good base in the hills. This has two advantages: First, you will be closer to the caves. Secondly, you will be away from the riff-raff that congregates outside the hotels waiting to rush any tourists who are bold enough to venture outside of the compound.

The people who live in the hills of Jamaica are much like rural inhabitants anywhere. They live close to the land and know its ways and rhythms. The pace of life is less frenetic. They say Good Morning and wave if they know you when you pass them. They know the names of the birds, trees, and flowers that surround them. All in all, they are great folks to spend time with. In the evenings, after a day of caving, don't be shy, get out and meet them. You will not be robbed or chopped despite what the hoteliers, in hopes of keeping you a money-spending captive, might tell you.

Visitors who are on the island for the first time, those who come from tightly controlled "proper" countries, are sometimes taken aback by the boisterousness and joie de vivre of the Jamaicans they meet. The one sure-fire cure for this is to drop some of your reservedness and let them teach you how they have a good time. This is best done over Red Stripe, with music and dancing, and as long as you drink enough water before you go to sleep to avoid a hangover will be very rewarding.

Special conditions apply during the day when you are out caving. Do not expect something for nothing. If you ask for information be prepared to offer something in return. This need not be a great amount: cigarettes, a beer or soft drink, a hundred Jamaican dollars, any of these will usually be enough payment. If someone tries to rush you for 20 US$, walk away and ask someone else. An older gentleman will often be your best source for important information but youths can sometimes be knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Be conscious of the fact that at times you will be on private property. Try to get permission to cross people's land or yards when getting to a cave. If they ask for something in return, negotiate but be fair. It will be rare that this will hinder your trek to the cave, but have respect for other people's property in the pursuit of your goal and always ask first, if possible.

Most of the foregoing has involved your need for respect for the people you meet while caving. As it goes most places, in Jamaica, if you show respect, you will get it in return. You will be pleasantly surprised at how quickly local people will come to appreciate what you do when they see you sliding down a rope into a dread cave that most of them, like people everywhere, would never consider entering. You might at times have an audience. Make it absolutely clear that rigging and ropes must not be touched, and that no objects should be tossed into the cave. You can consider hiring someone for a small amount to safeguard things up top for you. This is an especially good idea when removal of a rope from outside will cause you to be trapped. Ropes are very inviting to people who have livestock that needs to be tied up.

Before closing this section, it is important to remind you that even though you might be comparatively poor at home, you will still have much more than many in the hills that you will meet. Don't give away all of your money in a fit of guilt, or let yourself be constantly rushed like fool, but at the same time don't be afraid to buy someone a beer or shot of rum occasionally, especially if they're a friend and you're downing your fifth Red Stripe as they get thirstier and thirstier watching you.

3. Results

(The following sections, other than the main chapters for districts, are not presented in a numbered form).

3.1. The Caves of Windsor

3.2. The Caves of the Northeast

3.3. The Caves of Rock Spring

3.4. The Caves of Troy

3.5. The Caves of Balaclava

3.6. The Caves of Thornton

3.7. The Caves of Quick Step

3.8. The Caves of the Southwest

3.9. The Caves of the Northwest

[EDIT]

4. Conclusions

4.1. Current Conditions

4.1.1. In 2005, the conditions found in the caves of the Cockpit Country span a range that extends from highly-degraded to pristine. The criteria for the two extremes of this range, highly-degraded and pristine, are as follows.

4.1.2. Those caves that we regard as highly-degraded are in one or more of the following states:

4.1.2.1. They have lost historically recorded bat-roosts, for whatever reason, or currently have bat populations that are orders of magnitude less than they once were. (Example: Welsch Ratbat Cave).

4.1.2.2. Bat-roosts have had guano deposits entirely removed. (Example: Vauxhall Cave).

4.1.2.3. Invasive species, principally the American Roach (Periplaneta americana), have caused a great reduction in the variety of species that would have been expected to occur in the cave if the roaches were not present. (Example: Penthouse Cave).

4.1.2.4. Siltation has greatly reduced the accessible area of the cave with respect to what is known by historical records (i.e. determined by comparison to past cave-surveys). (Example: Farmyard Cave).

4.1.2.5. Human activity has caused appreciable damage to speleothems, introduced large amounts of garbage, or altered the morphology of the cave in a way that has caused a great change in internal-ambient conditions. (Example: Wondrous Cave)

4.1.3. Those caves that we regard as pristine are in the following state:

4.1.3.1. They have rarely been entered by humans.

4.1.3.2. The land-use outside of the cave has not been altered from its original state to an extent that would greatly affect the interior of the cave. (Of course, no part of the island currently has flora and fauna identical to what existed before European occupation, but some caves have always had some amount of forest around them, and many of the original native species continue to exist in the local area).

4.1.3.3. There has been no siltation, and no rafted garbage introduced to the cave.

4.1.3.4. There are no invasive species in the cave, such as P. americana. (This automatically follows from a lack of visitation and absence of garbage. Roaches to do not walk through the bush to get to a cave, they are carried there, either in fertilizer bags or on rafted garbage).

4.1.3.5. Unfortunately, there are only two that we can call pristine out of the 87 sites we have visited in the Cockpit Country. These are Home Away Cave, and Barbecue Bottom Hole-2. Every other cave visited has been disturbed to one degree or another. The reasons why the two pristine caves continue to be that way are given below:

Home Away is not easy to access. It is in forestland south of the Escarpment, and Pantrepant, and it is a difficult hike. The logging appears to have always been selective, and there is good canopy. A vertical pitch is involved to get beyond the entrance area. There is no record of it having been explored prior to a JCO visit in 2001 (but a large shelter chamber at the Main entrance has certainly been used in the past, at least by the Taino, because there are petroglyphs present).

Barbecue Bottom Hole-2 is also not particularly easy to access, although much easier than Home Away. It has a large shelter cave at the entrance that has undoubtedly been used often over the years, but the actual "cave" is reached via a 15m pitch at the edge of this. This descent, with vertical gear, had never happened prior to the JCO visit in 2005 (and it would be best if it never happened again).

4.1.4. We have not yet assigned a value to individual caves that represents the degree of degradation, but this could be easily derived through filtering of the database and is on our to-do list. We invite others to use the information contained in the database to determine this for their own purposes. We would appreciate suggestions on additional indicators that we might use in the future.

4.2. Degradation

Although we have not assigned a definite value for the degree of degradation found in any particular cave, we will discuss below the mechanisms involved and cite specific examples.

4.2.1. Guano extraction:

During the Second World War, Jamaica was in need of fertilizer. The guano deposits found in caves with bat-roosts were an obvious source. The Lands Department (later to be renamed the Geological Survey Department) undertook a search for suitable caves, [1]. This began the modern era of the exploitation of caves for bat guano resources. We do not know to what extent guano extraction had taken place before then, but it certainly put the idea in everyone's minds afterwards.

Guano mining from the time of the GSD onwards has been carried out primarily by the commercial sector and small-scale farmers. The number of sites that were mined by the government in the early part of this era is a fraction of what was carried out by others afterwards.

Large-scale commercial mining in the last decade has been primarily for the export market, to supply hydroponics gardening stores in North America and Europe. The JCO looked into this two years ago and identified one of the main sources, and the primary distributor, but we will not name names in this document, lest we invite a lawsuit. We will say that tremendous damage has been done to some caves, although we know of none currently being commercially mined in the Cockpit Country. We have limited the positional information available on our website for sites that are at risk, to avoid causing this to happen.

Local farmers are the second of the groups currently mining guano. It is taken in relatively small amounts and does not have the vacuuming effect of commercial operations. It is, though, very widespread and frequent in caves that have not already been exhausted.

The damage that is done to caves by guano extraction is addressed below:

4.2.1.1. When detritus is not available, much of the fauna in Jamaican caves is dependent on bat guano as the food source. The wholesale removal of the bat guano eliminates the bats in the process through repeated disturbance of a creature that lives on the metabolic edge. It also results in the elimination of the species that depended on it. The cave biota is greatly altered. Bats might eventually return, but perhaps not with all of the original species. The troglobitic invertebrates may never return. Several examples of heavily mined sites that had large bat populations according to historical records, but now have none or few, are Vauxhall Cave, Carambie Cave, Welsch Ratbat Cave, and Penthouse Cave.

4.2.1.2. As well as supplying a habitat for living creatures, old guano deposits contain records of the climatic conditions of the island that extend back for thousands of years [2]. They also contain the fossilized remains of Quaternary fauna. When the guano is shovelled into bags, and shipped overseas, all of that is lost.

4.2.1.3. Physical damage to formations is unavoidable during the mining process; it is not possible to have people shuttling in and out of a cave repeatedly, with fertilizer bags on their heads, and not have speleothems being hit.

4.2.1.4. The main vector for the introduction of the invasive roach P. americana is the fertilizer bags that are commonly used for removing guano. Roaches crawl into the bags to consume the guano at the yard where the bags are stored between use, and then hitch-hike into the cave the next trip.

We find a direct correlation between guano extraction and the presence of invasive roaches. Filtered extracts from the database illustrate this in Table 4.2.2.4, described below:

First, it will be seen that of the 18 caves we identified to have definitely been mined (evidenced by fertilizer bags, scoops, or by historical records), 12 have roaches, and only 6 do not. Secondly, of the 6 that do not, 5 of those were mined in the early part of the era (our definition of Historic is more than several decades ago, and our definition of Current is having occurred during the last few decades). It appears that current activities are a factor in the presence of roaches. In the Cockpit Country, all of the current guano extraction is being done by local farmers. The one cave currently being used that does not have roaches is Nanny Cave. This seems to be because the roost is limited to Artibeus fruit-bats in a twilight area just inside the entrance (apparently, Artibeus will put up with more light than American roaches). The rest of the cave is a low stream passage that floods often.

Caves with guano extraction: APPLETON TOWER MAZE	Caves with P. americana Some	Era of extraction Current
BIG WELL CAVE - MAIN	Some	Historic
CARAMBIE CAVE - MAIN	None	Historic
COFFEE RIVER CAVE	Some	Current
GOOD HOPE CAVE	None	Historic
HARTIES CAVE #1 - MAIN	Some	Both
HARTIES CAVE #2	Some	Both
MARTA TICK CAVE	None	Historic
MONTIETH CAVE	Some	Current
NANNY CAVE	None	Current
PENTHOUSE CAVE - MAIN	Many	Both
RUINED GROUND CAVE	None	Historic
VAUXHALL CAVE M ENT	None	Historic
WALLINGFORD MAIN CAVE	Some	Historic
WELSCH RATBAT CAVE	Some	Both
WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - MAIN	Some	Both
WONDROUS CAVE - MAIN	Some	Current
YOUNG GULLY CAVE	Some	Historic

Table 4.2.2.4

[1] Jamaica Underground - ISBN 976-040-036-9. Pg 1-2. A. G. Fincham.

[2] Journal of Cave and Karst Studies - ISSN 0146-9517. Volume 64 Number 2: 117-125 - August 2002. A Late Quaternary Paleoecological Record from Caves of Southern Jamaica, West Indies. D.A. McFarlane, J. Lundberg, and A. G. Fincham.

4.2.2. Periplaneta americana (American Roach):

The American Cockroach is an introduced species that has become abundant in some caves. It is very good at what it does, which is scavenging, and it has out-competed most other invertebrate scavengers that it has come up against. The effect of this is two-fold: the native scavenging species that were not able to get to the food first starved to death (P. americana move very quickly); some of the species that were out-competed, and eradicated by the roaches, served as food for cave-adapted invert predators that then lost their prey. The result is that caves that have had P. americana introduced have seen a great loss of their original biodiversity.

The JCO has seen this effect at its greatest in two caves outside of the PiP Project area. These are St Clair Cave in St Catherine, and Geneva Mountain Cave in Westmoreland. Both sites have large bat-roosts and few invertebrates other than roaches. There are no caves affected to this degree in the Cockpit Country, but there is the potential for this to happen at Marta Tick Cave.

4.2.2.1. Marta Tick has a large bat-roost that is seldom disturbed due to its inaccessibility (in the bush north of Quick Step). Guano deposits are thick and fluffy. There are many troglobitic invertebrate species. There are no roaches. Some guano extraction has occurred, but it has been infrequent and very small amounts have been taken. To our knowledge (we are quite familiar with the area), there has been no mining in the last 3 years, and possibly none for much longer than that. If land-use changes, to bring farmers closer to the cave, it is inevitable that roaches will invade. Marta Tick is an example of a cave in a primarily natural state.

On the other end of the spectrum is Welsch Ratbat Cave. It is located close to farmland and has been mined often for guano. The deposits are exhausted and current mining activity is low (2005). There were no bats seen during our visit. We consider it to be highly-degraded.

4.2.2.2. We will contrast Marta Tick Cave, in 2005, to Welsch Ratbat Cave. Extracts from the database will be found below:

CAVE:	P. AMERICANA:	AMBLYPYGID:	N. FARRI:	ARANEAE:	U. CAVICOLA:
MARTA TICK	None	Some	Many	Many	Many
WELSCH RATBAT	Some	None	None	None	None

Table 4.2.3.1

In addition to the species listed for Marta Tick, we also saw Gaucelmus cavernicola; Nesticidae fam; Troglopedetes jamaicanus; and Marava jamaicana. There were other species seen that were not identified.

At Welsch Ratbat, no other species were seen, other than the frog E. cundalli near entrance openings.

We believe that the greatest factor in the difference in biota of the two caves is guano mining. Secondarily, it is the presence of American Roaches. Troglobites are found in nutrient poor caves (and in some cases prefer them) as long is there some amount of food available. Although we did not see any bats, we did see individual faeces that indicate an occasional use continues. The people of the district, whom we asked, told us that at certain times of year there are bats in the cave. The only invertebrate species that we saw were roaches. We suggest this mechanism is at play: There is limited nutrient input, but there is some. The roaches have been getting to it first, before other scavengers, since their introduction to the cave. They have now eaten everything else out of house and home.

4.2.2.3. It is difficult to remove American Roaches from Jamaican caves. The author of this report read of a study that was combating a similar invasive roach, albeit not one in caves, by using pheromones. Perhaps it will someday be possible to remove the roaches from the caves, but it will certainly not be easy. What can be done now is to prevent them from invading the few bat-caves that are not yet infested, and number one on the list must be Marta Tick Cave.

4.2.3. Siltation:

Siltation is a process where loose soil and clays are washed into river caves by seasonal rains. It is most pronounced when the flow is across cultivated land into a cave entrance that takes water (i.e. a sink). If great enough, the siltation can fill a cave with mud to the extent that it can no longer be entered.

The main factors influencing the rate of siltation are the slope of the catchment area and the degree of ground cover. When a steep slope upstream of a cave has loose cultivated soil (as found with many Yam farms), the resulting siltation will be severe. The siltation is also severe on shallow slopes if the cultivated area upstream is large enough.

Siltation is a great source of cave degradation in the Cockpit Country. Many instances will be found in the database and our notes for the caves. The local negative effects are a disruption to traditional drainage patterns and the removal of habitat for troglobitic and stygobitic species. On a larger scale, the river caves that are affected by this problem are often an upstream part of the water supply for downstream communities. When the waters that rise in Springvale are muddy, and the Pumphouse must be turned off, it is because of topsoil that entered the system at the farmlands of Maroon Town.

We present three cases here that illustrate the process of silt input to caves, all in the southeast Cockpit Country. The first two, Wilson's Run and Farmyard caves, are highly-degraded. The third, Pool Cave, is an example of a cave with minimum siltation due to good ground cover upstream.

4.2.3.1. The following is from our notes for Wilson's Run Cave and is our first example of a cave highly-degraded by siltation.

"The topology of the cockpit that we reached, where the cave is listed to be, is such: a medium-sized cockpit bottom is surrounded on most of it's circumference by slopes of up to 45 deg. Where the slope extends furthest, to a generally higher area to the south, much of the hill is in yam cultivation. Across the bottom of this cockpit, a stream flows. It rises from the bottom of the hill on the southeast and flows to the northwest, to sink, we believe, in Wilson's Run Cave. I say "believe", because although we did trace the course of this stream (with much effort), to where it sinks close to the other side of the cockpit, all we found there was a cut in a low hill where the waters sank into what appeared to be mud-choked boulders (the boulders were not visible, but something was holding a great amount of mud in place at the stream sink). The cut into the hill faced in the right direction for the entrance according to the Liverpool cave map.

At any rate, there was no entrance to be entered, just small holes in a large section of inclined muddy pit into which the stream drained. It should be noted that in many cases the Jamaica Underground positions are out by hundreds of metres. When there is a map available for a cave, such as Wilson's Run, this is how we make a positive identification, especially in districts where there are many caves. In this case, it was not possible. The area map, and the text description, certainly indicate that we had the right target, but we cannot put the identification at 100%. But, assuming that we indeed were at Wilson's Run Cave, the explanation for the lack of entry is obvious: the yams on the hills above.

Inquiries were made of residents of the area on how long the yam farming had been going on. We were informed that it began about 10 years ago (apx 1995), and greatly expanded in the last 2-3 years. A close look was taken at the cultivation technique, and it was seen that the main drainage trenches led directly downhill into the bottomland. The soil is deeply cultivated. A build-up of silt was seen in the streambed that crosses the cockpit bottom. Wilson's Run Cave, unfortunately, has likely joined Farmyard Cave, Rock Spring, on the list of caves lost due to agriculturally induced siltation. Perhaps if the drainage method employed on the hills above were to change, this stream cave might eventually be flushed clear, but this is uncertain."

4.2.3.2. The following is from our expedition notes for Farmyard Cave and our second example of a cave highly-degraded by siltation.

"Before me in the weeds was a very small opening about 75cm high rising from the dirt. Calling out to Dietrich that I might have it, I took off my pack, turned on my headlamp, and squeezed my head and shoulders in.

To the left, a low passage ended in mud about 5m away. To the right, the passage carried on past the entrance, also low and muddy, but continuing if you were to slither on your belly. D had now caught up, so I slithered in to see what could be found. After about 20m, I saw signs of another small mud-choked entrance, and now realizing that things were beginning to match the KHE map (although with one great difference), I worked my way back to where I'd come in, searching for what should be a continuing passage leading upstream, that is to the left of the entrance that I'd come in by. It had looked mud-choked, but it needed a closer examination. I spent 5 minutes looking for any chance of getting past the choke, and found nothing. I crawled back out of the "cave" to have a closer look at the printed scan of the cave map.

The map, [found earlier in this report in the entry for Farmyard], shows the passage that leads upstream or at least once did, because it does no longer. It also shows three entrances, of which only two remain. Lest any who read these notes suspect that I had found the wrong cave, note that the two entrances that we found match the map perfectly in location and aspect. It is immediately upstream of Thicket Entrance, Printed Circuit Cave. There was nothing else in the vicinity that could be found. We had the right cave, but unfortunately, it is now so full of mud and silt that it is essentially filled-in. I am unsure which of the three entrances I entered by, but suspect it is what remains of the "South Entrance". At any rate, we could only find two entrances, so the third apparently is filled-in.

I will quote the KHE notes from Jamaica Underground: "The southern continuation of Printed Circuit Cave where flux passage reaches the surface at Thicket Entrance. A meandering passage continues to the Main Entrance beyond which are two ducks over rimstone pools and a crawl to a sump. Right leads to a sump. Left, a low wet passage for 25m to a T-junction, choked on the left and sumped on the right."

As can be seen, this passage was never terribly high to begin with, and because of the heavy cultivation of the land upstream (the sumps noted by the KHE were merely low parts of the passage, and are being fed by upstream sinks with locations undetermined), and at the entrances (which take water seasonally), it is now gone. We noted several other cave entrances during our days in Rock Spring, most notably Good Hope One Cave - Sink, that suffered from the same problem, no doubt exacerbated by Hurricane Ivan, but Farmyard Cave was the most extreme example. The district is heavily farmed, especially in the south catchment area, by very hard-working farmers who constantly keep the land tilled with no vegetative cover other than their coffee plants and yams, that is, with roughly 95% of the dirt loose and easily washed away in heavy rains. In fact, a farmer who was of much help earlier in the week showed us a sink that was currently blocked (barely seen, but he knew where it was from when it had been open) that he noted needed to be cleared to allow water to drain from his field. What is one to do? The farmers are hard working, and doing the best they can to maximize what profit is available, but in the course of this industrious cultivation they are doing great damage to the river-caves that are found here. I will merely describe the situation for now, but in the notes for Pool Cave, which was quite silt-free thanks to an acre or two of bush cover at the sink entrance that was holding silt, I will make what recommendations I can.

One can speculate that if vegetative cover were to return to the catchment area, eventually the mud in the cave might be washed out and the cave would return, but realistically this has a low probability of happening at any time in the near future. For now, there are no biological observations for us to note, because there was virtually no cave for us to access. Perhaps upstream, something remains, but it is not possible to get to it without many weeks with a shovel, tunnelling up the passage."

4.2.3.3. The following is from our expedition notes for Pool Cave and an example of a cave that is not degraded by siltation.

"This cave was visited immediately after Crayfish Cave. We entered through the rising entrance, and exited from the sink entrance. We noticed soon after we were in the passage that siltation was low. When we came out at the far end, we found that the seasonal streambed that feeds into the cave had a very dense cover of bush and shrubs, with the more open areas covered with tall weeds. This was the only sink in the district that we found in this state, and it was the least muddy cave. The floor of the passage was clean rock, and rimstone pools held clear water. This cave can be contrasted well to Farmyard Cave that is not far away. Farmyard, which takes most of its flow from cultivated land, is almost entirely choked with silt.

The passage held no rafted-in garbage. Invasive roaches were not present."

4.2.3.4. The above examples are not isolated instances. Other sites will be found described in the notes, and found in the database, that show the same pattern; siltation is directly related to land-use with cultivation being the main factor.

4.2.4. Tourism:

We have not found tourism to be a great factor in the degradation of the Cockpit Country caves. Of the 87 sites that were investigated, only three were used for tourism. These are Windsor Cave, Printed Circuit Cave, and Wondrous Cave. Guidelines and monitoring are highly advisable, but at the current level of activity, tourism is not an immediate threat to the biota of the Cockpit Country caves.

4.3. Conservation priorities:

The factors in the degradation of the Cockpit Country caves have been discussed in the preceding section. In this section, we will identify conservation priorities and sites most deserving of protection.

4.3.1. Priorities:

4.3.1.1. Our investigations indicate that guano extraction is the greatest threat to the biological health of the caves of the Cockpit Country. For many caves it is too late, but not for all. Efforts should be made to reduce or eliminate guano extraction. We will address this further in our recommendations, found in section 4.4.

4.3.1.2. Land-use must be considered in all cave conservation planning. The biota of a cave is connected to the terrestrial biota found in the general area and cannot exist independently of it. The hydrology of a cave is an integral part of a larger system that includes surface flow. Caves deemed worthy of protection should be considered in a larger context; the land outside of the cave must be included in protection planning. Priority targets should have an area of at least several hectares, outside of each entrance, that is maintained in a natural state.

4.3.1.3. We are aware of seven Amerindian cave sites in the Cockpit Country (listed in the database and the notes). Three of these have extant petroglyphs: Pantrepant Cave, Spring Cave, and Home Away Cave. The need for the preservation of these artefacts should not be lost amongst concerns of biology and hydrology.

4.3.2. Vulnerable sites:

All sites have been assigned a value that indicates the degree to which they are vulnerable to future degradation. The values are Low, Medium, and High. The criteria is subjective but generally uses the following method.

4.3.2.1. Low vulnerability: Caves that are not experiencing visitation. Caves that do not contain mixed-species bat-roosts or troglobitic invertebrates. Caves that are not part of a hydrological system experiencing siltation. In this category, some of the sites listed could be subject to degradation if local land-use practices were to change - vulnerability would then increase. The following sites have been listed in the database with this value; reasons will be found in the notes supplied for the individual caves.

ANANCY HOLE**

APPLETON TOWER MAZE

ARMSTRONG PIT

AUGUST 23 PIT**

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-1

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-2

BAD HOLE**

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-1

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-2

BARRACKS CAVE 1

BARRACKS CAVE 2

BARRACKS CAVE 3

BEHIND-THE-WALL CAVE

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-1

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-2

BIG WELL CAVE - MAIN

BIG WELL CAVE - WEST

BIG WELL CAVE - BANANA FIELD

BLACK RIVER HEAD

BLUEFIELDS SINK

BONAFIDE CAVE

BOOTH CAMP SPRING

BURNT HILL CAVES

CAMPBELLS CAVE

CANE PATCH SINK

CANAAN SPRING

CARAMBIE CAVE - MAIN

CARAMBIE CAVE - DARK

CARAMBIE CAVE - BACK

CAWLEY WELL

CEDAR SPRING CAVE

CLEAR RIVER CAVE**

COFFEE RIVER CAVE

COMB CAVE

CONTRA SHEEP PEN HOLE

COOKS BOTTOM SINK

COWTRAP PIT

CRAYFISH CAVE

CRESCENT PIT

DALBY'S STREAM CAVE

DEAD BABY SINKHOLE**

DEVILS STAIRCASE

DUNCO SPRING CAVE

DUPPY CAVE

EAST HOLE

ED'S LOST RACK PIT

ELLEN'S MOURNING PIT

FALLING CAVE

FAR ENOUGH CAVE

FARMYARD CAVE

FITZIE'S FISSURES**

FLOOD EXIT CAVE

FONTABELLE RISING

GLADE FISSURE CAVE

GOLDING RIVER CAVE

GOOD HOPE CAVE

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - SINK

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - RISING

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - SINK

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - RISING

GREATER SWANGA**

GREMLIN CAVE

GUN HILL CAVE

HARTIES CAVE #1 - MAIN

HARTIES CAVE #1 - NW

HARTIES CAVE #2

HECTORS RIVER SINK 3

HESSIE'S HOLE**

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL-PIT

HOME AWAY FROM HOME CAVE

HOPE RIVER GLADE CAVE - RISING

INNERWELL FISSURE CAVE

IRON MAIDEN CAVE - SINK

JABBERING CROW PIT

JOHNNY TAVERN SPRING

KILLER CORKSCREW PIT

KINLOSS SHELTER

KOLAN BUSH SINKHOLE

LIEFS SINK

LINDA'S MINI-PIT

LONG MILE CAVE

MARTA TICK CAVE

MARTEL SPRING

MARTEL SPRING CAVE

MEXICO CAVE

MINOCAL'S GLORY HOLE

MIRK PIT

MONTIETH CAVE

MOUTH MAZE - SINK

MOUTH MAZE - LIGHTHOLE

MOUTH MAZE - GOOD HOPE SUMP

NANNY CAVE

OLIVE PIECE PROPERTY CAVES

PANTREPANT CAVE

PEACE CAVE

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-1**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-2**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-3**

PENTHOUSE CAVE - MAIN

PENTHOUSE CAVE - SOUTH

PERU MOUNTAIN HOLE

POOL CAVE - RISING

POOL CAVE - SINK

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - MAIN

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - FARMYARD

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - DOUBLE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE SE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE NW

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - EMITTER

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - NORTHWEST

PROSPER ROCK CAVE

QUAWS POND SINK

RAHEEN SINK 1

RAMGOAT CAVE

RED TOP PIT

RETIREMENT CAVE

RIVER MAIDEN CAVE

ROAD SIDE PIT

ROBBER CAVE

ROBERT MING'S PIT

ROLLING ROCK PIT

RUINED GROUND CAVE

ST. EEL CAVE

SALMON CAVE

SAUCY RIVER CAVE

SAWMILL CAVE**

SHEEP PEN CAVE

SHELL CAVE

SHERLOCK'S PIT

SNAKE HOLE

SOUTH HOLE

SPRING CAVE

SPRINGVALE SOUTH CAVE - ROADSIDE ENT

STEPHENSON CAVE

STILL WATERS CAVE

SWANGA CAVE - RISING

SWANGA CAVE - SINK

TAMARIND POND HOLE

TEN MILE POST RISING

THE TOMHOLE

TOO FAR STREAM CAVE

TYRE STREAM CAVE**

TYRE SUMP CAVE

UNDERNOSE CAVE

VAUGHANSFIELD CAVE

VAUXHALL CAVE M ENT

VAUXHALL CAVE E ENT

WALLINGFORD COLLAPSE CAVE

WALLINGFORD MAIN CAVE

WALLINGFORD RIVER CAVE

WALLINGFORD ROADSIDE CAVE

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-1

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-2

WALLINGFORD TUNNEL

4.3.2.2. Medium vulnerability: Caves that are experiencing some visitation and have sizeable Artibeus bat-roosts, mixed-species bat-roosts, archaeo or palaeo resources, or are experiencing some siltation. The following sites have been listed in the database with this value; reasons will be found in the notes supplied for the individual caves.

ADAM'S CAVE

ADAM'S THIRD PIT

AGONY HOLE

ALPS CAVE

ALPS SINKHOLE

ALPS SPRING CAVE

ANANCY HOLE**

APPLETON TOWER MAZE

ARMSTRONG PIT

AUGUST 23 PIT**

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-1

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-2

BAD HOLE**

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-1

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-2

BARRACKS CAVE 1

BARRACKS CAVE 2

BARRACKS CAVE 3

BEHIND-THE-WALL CAVE

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-1

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-2

BIG WELL CAVE - MAIN

BIG WELL CAVE - WEST

BIG WELL CAVE - BANANA FIELD

BLACK RIVER HEAD

BLUEFIELDS SINK

BONAFIDE CAVE

BOOTH CAMP SPRING

BURNT HILL CAVES

CAMPBELLS CAVE

CANE PATCH SINK

CANAAN SPRING

CARAMBIE CAVE - MAIN

CARAMBIE CAVE - DARK

CARAMBIE CAVE - BACK

CAWLEY WELL

CEDAR SPRING CAVE

CLEAR RIVER CAVE**

COFFEE RIVER CAVE

COMB CAVE

CONTRA SHEEP PEN HOLE

COOKS BOTTOM SINK

COWTRAP PIT

CRAYFISH CAVE

CRESCENT PIT

DALBY'S STREAM CAVE

DEAD BABY SINKHOLE**

DEVILS STAIRCASE

DUNCO SPRING CAVE

DUPPY CAVE

EAST HOLE

ED'S LOST RACK PIT

ELLEN'S MOURNING PIT

FALLING CAVE

FAR ENOUGH CAVE

FARMYARD CAVE

FITZIE'S FISSURES**

FLOOD EXIT CAVE

FONTABELLE RISING

GLADE FISSURE CAVE

GOLDING RIVER CAVE

GOOD HOPE CAVE

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - SINK

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - RISING

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - SINK

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - RISING

GREATER SWANGA**

GREMLIN CAVE

GUN HILL CAVE

HARTIES CAVE #1 - MAIN

HARTIES CAVE #1 - NW

HARTIES CAVE #2

HECTORS RIVER SINK 3

HESSIE'S HOLE**

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL-PIT

HOME AWAY FROM HOME CAVE

HOPE RIVER GLADE CAVE - RISING

INNERWELL FISSURE CAVE

IRON MAIDEN CAVE - SINK

JABBERING CROW PIT

JOHNNY TAVERN SPRING

KILLER CORKSCREW PIT

KINLOSS SHELTER

KOLAN BUSH SINKHOLE

LIEFS SINK

LINDA'S MINI-PIT

LONG MILE CAVE

MARTA TICK CAVE

MARTEL SPRING

MARTEL SPRING CAVE

MEXICO CAVE

MINOCAL'S GLORY HOLE

MIRK PIT

MONTIETH CAVE

MOUTH MAZE - SINK

MOUTH MAZE - LIGHTHOLE

MOUTH MAZE - GOOD HOPE SUMP

NANNY CAVE

OLIVE PIECE PROPERTY CAVES

PANTREPANT CAVE

PEACE CAVE

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-1**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-2**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-3**

PENTHOUSE CAVE - MAIN

PENTHOUSE CAVE - SOUTH

PERU MOUNTAIN HOLE

POOL CAVE - RISING

POOL CAVE - SINK

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - MAIN

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - FARMYARD

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - DOUBLE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE SE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE NW

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - EMITTER

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - NORTHWEST

PROSPER ROCK CAVE

QUAWS POND SINK

RAHEEN SINK 1

RAMGOAT CAVE

RED TOP PIT

RETIREMENT CAVE

RIVER MAIDEN CAVE

ROAD SIDE PIT

ROBBER CAVE

ROBERT MING'S PIT

ROLLING ROCK PIT

RUINED GROUND CAVE

ST. EEL CAVE

SALMON CAVE

SAUCY RIVER CAVE

SAWMILL CAVE**

SHEEP PEN CAVE

SHELL CAVE

SHERLOCK'S PIT

SNAKE HOLE

SOUTH HOLE

SPRING CAVE

SPRINGVALE SOUTH CAVE - ROADSIDE ENT

STEPHENSON CAVE

STILL WATERS CAVE

SWANGA CAVE - RISING

SWANGA CAVE - SINK

TAMARIND POND HOLE

TEN MILE POST RISING

THE TOMHOLE

TOO FAR STREAM CAVE

TYRE STREAM CAVE**

TYRE SUMP CAVE

UNDERNOSE CAVE

VAUGHANSFIELD CAVE

VAUXHALL CAVE M ENT

VAUXHALL CAVE E ENT

WALLINGFORD COLLAPSE CAVE

WALLINGFORD MAIN CAVE

WALLINGFORD RIVER CAVE

WALLINGFORD ROADSIDE CAVE

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-1

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-2

WALLINGFORD TUNNEL

WANDERING WELL

WARMY TOM HOLE

WAYNE'S PIT

WELSCH RATBAT CAVE

WHITE CAVE

WILSON'S RUN CAVE

WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - MAIN

WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - UPPER

WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - BAMBOO

WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - RESURGE

WONDROUS CAVE - MAIN

WONDROUS CAVE - NORTH

YOUNG GULLY CAVE

4.3.2.3. High vulnerability: Caves that have large mixed-species bat-roosts, Amerindian artefacts, or are experiencing severe siltation. The following sites have been listed in the database with this value; the reasons will be found here, as well as in the notes:

APPLETON TOWER MAZE: We found Taino pottery here. The site was not previously listed to be Amerindian. There is potential for archaeological study. The site is in a well-populated area and experiencing visitation.

ARMSTRONG PIT

AUGUST 23 PIT**

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-1

BACK-OF-HUT PIT-2

BAD HOLE**

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-1

BARBECUE BOTTOM HOLE-2: The section past the vertical pitch has a good bat-roost, thick fluffy guano deposits, and no introduced roaches. This is one of the two sites in the Cockpit Country that we regard as pristine. We suggest that it be recognized as one of the more biologically valuable sites and given whatever degree of protection is possible.

BARRACKS CAVE 1

BARRACKS CAVE 2

BARRACKS CAVE 3

BEHIND-THE-WALL CAVE

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-1

BELMORE CASTLE PIT-2

BIG WELL CAVE - MAIN

BIG WELL CAVE - WEST

BIG WELL CAVE - BANANA FIELD

BLACK RIVER HEAD

BLUEFIELDS SINK

BONAFIDE CAVE

BOOTH CAMP SPRING

BURNT HILL CAVES

CAMPBELLS CAVE

CANE PATCH SINK

CANAAN SPRING

CARAMBIE CAVE - MAIN

CARAMBIE CAVE - DARK

CARAMBIE CAVE - BACK

CAWLEY WELL

CEDAR SPRING CAVE

CLEAR RIVER CAVE**

COFFEE RIVER CAVE: Bat-roosts are found in several dark-zone areas that we believe to consist of multiple species. Some guano extraction is taking place. Roaches have already been introduced, but the roosts continue to be of value.

COMB CAVE

CONTRA SHEEP PEN HOLE

COOKS BOTTOM SINK

COWTRAP PIT

CRAYFISH CAVE

CRESCENT PIT

DALBY'S STREAM CAVE

DEAD BABY SINKHOLE**

DEVILS STAIRCASE

DUNCO SPRING CAVE

DUPPY CAVE

EAST HOLE

ED'S LOST RACK PIT

ELLEN'S MOURNING PIT

FALLING CAVE

FAR ENOUGH CAVE

FARMYARD CAVE: Severe siltation. Good candidate for investigations of methods that might reduce silt input.

FITZIE'S FISSURES**

FLOOD EXIT CAVE

FONTABELLE RISING

GLADE FISSURE CAVE

GOLDING RIVER CAVE

GOOD HOPE CAVE

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - SINK: A great amount of garbage is washed into, and through, this cave. Siltation is also great. This is a good candidate for investigating methods to inhibit input of garbage and silt.

GOOD HOPE ONE CAVE - RISING

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - SINK: We are listing this site with a high vulnerability for the same reasons as Good Hope One. There is a great amount of garbage being washed into, and through, this cave. Siltation is also great. This is a good candidate for investigating methods to inhibit input of garbage and silt.

GOOD HOPE TWO CAVE - RISING

GREATER SWANGA**

GREMLIN CAVE

GUN HILL CAVE

HARTIES CAVE #1 - MAIN: We are listing this site with a high vulnerability due to the bat-roost and the frequent disturbance by visitors. This cave was probably more interesting biologically in the past. We suggest that if the guano mining were to be stopped it would be a good candidate for monitoring of the bat-roost to see if overall numbers increase.

HARTIES CAVE #1 - NW

HARTIES CAVE #2

HECTORS RIVER SINK 3

HESSIE'S HOLE**

HOLE-IN-THE-WALL-PIT

HOME AWAY FROM HOME CAVE: One of the two Cockpit Country caves that we consider pristine. Not currently visited by tourists, or people of the district, so no immediate threat, but it is one of the few bat-roosts in the Cockpit Country with deep, undisturbed deposits of guano. These continue to contain paleoclimatic records. Petroglyphs are present and deserving of protection.

HOPE RIVER GLADE CAVE - RISING

INNERWELL FISSURE CAVE

IRON MAIDEN CAVE - SINK

JABBERING CROW PIT

JOHNNY TAVERN SPRING

KILLER CORKSCREW PIT

KINLOSS SHELTER

KOLAN BUSH SINKHOLE

LIEFS SINK

LINDA'S MINI-PIT

LONG MILE CAVE

MARTA TICK CAVE: This is one of the few relatively undisturbed bat-roosts in the Cockpit Country. Historically, it has been of great scientific value, and in its current state should continue to remain so. However, this state is subject to change depending on several factors, chief amongst these being whether the track to the cave is improved, or left as it is now. The cave, and track to it, is on Forestry Reserve land. This gives some protection, but it could also be a two-edged sword. If selective logging is allowed in the district near the north end of the Marta Tick track, access will become much easier, with a concordant increase in visitation for guano extraction. This would do great harm to the cave. We recommend that the present conditions on the approach to this cave not be altered, and would suggest that Forestry set aside a protected area around the entrance to a radius of 500 metres from the entrance.

MARTEL SPRING

MARTEL SPRING CAVE

MEXICO CAVE

MINOCAL'S GLORY HOLE

MIRK PIT

MONTIETH CAVE

MOUTH MAZE - SINK: We're listing this cave with a high vulnerability, due to the great amount of garbage being washed in and the heavy siltation. At present, post-Hurricane Ivan, it's a total mess. The only thing comparable I've seen is Rota Cave in St James, which also takes floodwaters full of trash. The cave is one of the larger on the island and troglobitic species are present. Passages conduct floodwaters to points further into the Cockpit Country and a continuing input of plastic garbage will possibly result in some of these being blocked by a build-up of garbage and silt. This will impede drainage in rainy-times. Even though the cave is degraded now, it will become worse as time passes.

MOUTH MAZE - LIGHTHOLE

MOUTH MAZE - GOOD HOPE SUMP

NANNY CAVE

OLIVE PIECE PROPERTY CAVES

PANTREPANT CAVE: Taino petroglyphs present on stals. This site, along with other Amerindian sites in the Cockpit Country, should be given some degree of protection.

PEACE CAVE

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-1**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-2**

PENNHOUSE SHELTER-3**

PENTHOUSE CAVE - MAIN: We are listing this site with a high vulnerability due to it having a degraded bat-roost and a history of guano mining. If local visitation could be decreased, perhaps the quality of the bat-roost would improve (more bats of more species).

PENTHOUSE CAVE - SOUTH

PERU MOUNTAIN HOLE

POOL CAVE - RISING

POOL CAVE - SINK

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - MAIN

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - FARMYARD

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - DOUBLE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE SE

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - POSITIVE NW

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - EMITTER

PRINTED CIRCUIT CAVE - NORTHWEST

PROSPER ROCK CAVE

QUAWS POND SINK

RAHEEN SINK 1

RAMGOAT CAVE

RED TOP PIT

RETIREMENT CAVE

RIVER MAIDEN CAVE

ROAD SIDE PIT

ROBBER CAVE

ROBERT MING'S PIT

ROLLING ROCK PIT

RUINED GROUND CAVE

ST. EEL CAVE

SALMON CAVE

SAUCY RIVER CAVE

SAWMILL CAVE**

SHEEP PEN CAVE

SHELL CAVE

SHERLOCK'S PIT

SNAKE HOLE

SOUTH HOLE

SPRING CAVE: As with the near-by Pantrepant Cave, Taino petroglyphs present on stals. This site should be given some degree of protection.

SPRINGVALE SOUTH CAVE - ROADSIDE ENT

STEPHENSON CAVE

STILL WATERS CAVE

SWANGA CAVE - RISING

SWANGA CAVE - SINK

TAMARIND POND HOLE

TEN MILE POST RISING

THE TOMHOLE

TOO FAR STREAM CAVE

TYRE STREAM CAVE**

TYRE SUMP CAVE

UNDERNOSE CAVE

VAUGHANSFIELD CAVE

VAUXHALL CAVE M ENT

VAUXHALL CAVE E ENT

WALLINGFORD COLLAPSE CAVE

WALLINGFORD MAIN CAVE

WALLINGFORD RIVER CAVE

WALLINGFORD ROADSIDE CAVE

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-1

WALLINGFORD SINKHOLE-2

WALLINGFORD TUNNEL

WANDERING WELL

WARMY TOM HOLE

WAYNE'S PIT

WELSCH RATBAT CAVE: We are listing this cave with a high vulnerability because of the historical bat-roost and guano extraction, but in truth it is degraded to the point where little more damage can be done. Nevertheless, if visitation could be limited, perhaps by way of local education, it is a good candidate for monitoring to see if improvement occurs.

WHITE CAVE

WILSON'S RUN CAVE: Presently mud-choked due to siltation. This is a good candidate for investigating methods of limiting agriculturally induced siltation.

WINDSOR GREAT CAVE - MAIN: We are listing Windsor Great Cave with a high vulnerability for two reasons: the possibility of the resumption of guano extraction (and especially the damage that would be caused by this occurring in the Main Roost); and the tourist activity that is not as controlled as it might be. Further recommendations will be found in the notes for the cave found in section 3.1.

4.4. Recommendations

The two main factors that we have identified in the degradation of Jamaican caves are guano extraction and local land-use practices. We will discuss below methods to mitigate the degradation of caves due to these factors:

4.4.1. Guano extraction, as discussed in section 4.2.1 of this report, is a great source of cave degradation. The mining itself occurs in two forms, local and commercial. We will address these separately, starting with local mining.

4.4.1.1. We have found through inquiry in the districts where local guano extraction is occurring that the main use of the fertilizer obtained is in the production of recreational drugs, specifically ganja. To a lesser extent, it is also used for production of food crops. We have not attempted to determine the source of the association of "Ratbat Dung" guano with ganja production, but, for whatever reason, it is believed to produce superior "Ital" herb. It is not our place to comment on the pros or cons of ganja consumption, but we can safely say that it is not a priority crop, insofar as it does not put food on the table, or in the marketplace. At any rate, the availability of commercial fertilizers precludes the need for bat guano fertilizer in both food and ganja production and there is simply no reason to disturb a bat-roost in order to supply a dubious boost to the potency of what is found in the "spliff" being smoked by the grower.

We strongly recommend that an educational program be initiated that stresses the importance of maintaining the quality of bat-roosts in local caves. There are real benefits to preserving local bat-roosts and we believe that if these were presented in a respectful, non-demanding way, that those who are the targets of the educational program would appreciate them. Amongst the benefits that can be presented is the role that bats play in fruit-tree pollination and the service supplied by bats in the reduction of local mosquito populations. We should stress, though, that if the approach were heavy-handed it would not convince anyone; entering a community and dictating behaviour will be counter-productive in the end. It is our belief that education, not legislation, is the solution to this problem.

4.4.1.2. We are not aware of commercial guano extraction taking place in the Cockpit Country at this time, but the potential is there. Several of the listed sites contain large deposits of fluffy guano and there is money to be made in the export market. It should be noted that our investigations on the Internet suggest that, again, the main use of the bat guano seems to be in the production of ganja, in this case sold at "Hydroponics" stores and used in indoor grow operations. Somehow, the association of bat guano with ganja quality has reached beyond the shores of Jamaica and is now an international phenomenon. Although we do not recommend a heavy-handed approach to local guano mining, in the case of commercial operations, we suggest that the Government of Jamaica legislate an end to the export of bat guano. By focusing on export, rather than mining, the small-scale extraction done by local farmers, for their own use, will not be legislated against, only the commercial practices. This twofold approach, local and commercial, will result in paths of communication being maintained with the people of the districts where bat caves are found, while also removing the greater, but more easily managed commercial threat.

4.4.2. Our investigations show a correlation between local land-use patterns and degradation. This is most obvious when it takes the form of siltation, as discussed in section 4.2.3, but as we note in 4.3.1.2 it also has a great effect on the biota of a cave.

We recommend that for those sites deemed to be most deserving of protection, an area around the cave entrance be maintained in a natural condition. The extent of this area will be dependent on existing land-use. To minimize disruption to the residents of the district in areas where much of the land is presently in agriculture, it will need to be smaller than in areas currently forested.

The creation of protected areas outside of vulnerable caves will have the following benefits.

4.4.2.1. The creation and maintenance of a flora and fauna that resembles that found in pre-colonial times will supply necessary habitat for the full range of bat species that would have originally been present in the cave. Even if some of those species are no longer there, you supply an attractive roost for them to possibly re-colonize in the future.

4.4.2.2. Troglophilic species (those animals that like, but are not restricted to caves) make up a large component of the fauna of a cave. The diversity of this group is allowed to approach the original state if the flora and fauna external to the cave are similar to what was originally present.

4.4.2.3. Troglobites (animals that are restricted to caves) utilize the nutrient input supplied by troglophilic and opportunistic species. As with troglophiles, the diversity of this group is allowed to approach the original state if the flora and fauna external to the cave are similar to what was originally present.

4.4.2.4. Siltation is a factor in the degradation of caves, as discussed above in section 4.2.3. Of the three examples we presented, it will be seen that Pool Cave, 4.2.3.3 has a buffer of thick vegetative cover that effectively limits silt input. The area supplying this buffer is not great, perhaps a hectare or two (we did not measure it), but it is enough to make this the least silted cave of all the river caves we visited in Rock Spring. For the others, the land upstream of the sinks was in cultivation, or had been recently, and the caves had accumulated much soft, deep mud. In the case of Farmyard Cave, 4.2.3.2, it had been entirely filled in and no longer allowed an appreciable flow, instead directing it above ground through a farmer's field. By maintaining good vegetative cover upstream of a river cave, siltation is reduced or eliminated.

4.4.3. Tourism can be a factor in cave degradation. Only one of the project targets, Wondrous Cave, was in this state during our expeditions, but there is the potential for this situation to worsen. It is our belief that tourism and cave preservation can co-exist, but only if there are definite guidelines and procedures that are followed by everyone concerned. We offer in the following sections several suggestions for a responsible approach to cave tourism in the Cockpit Country. (Specific suggestions for Windsor Cave will be found in section 3.1).

4.4.3.1. Caves that are identified as highly vulnerable because of biological factors, such as the presence of large mixed-species bat-roosts, should not be considered for tourism. For example, Marta Tick Cave should not be used for tourism in any form, now or in the future. Monitoring to ensure that this is indeed the case, perhaps combined with concurrent monitoring of the cave biota, would be circumspect. We will discuss this further in section 4.5.

4.4.3.2. Those caves that are deemed able to withstand some visitation, and thusly considered for tourism, must be safeguarded nonetheless. All caves are fragile to one degree or another. Specific methods to limit damage will be found below.

4.4.3.3. Smaller groups are easier to supervise. By limiting the number of tourists in a cave to three or four at a time, you can ensure that they stay to a predefined route and do not touch formations. We strongly recommend against taking large groups of tourists into caves. There will be no control over what is walked on, or touched, and damage is inevitable.

4.4.3.4. There should be a limit to the total numbers of visitors to any one cave over a specific period. This limit will vary according to the specific cave, e.g. caves with bat-roosts are allowed fewer visitors per month than caves without bat-roosts. The criteria remain to be established, but we suggest that this approach be considered.

4.4.3.5. Kerosene torches, such as bottle-torches, should not be used. If there are bats present in the cave, the combustion by-products will collect at the top of the chamber and immerse them in toxic fumes. All lighting should be electric.

4.4.3.6. Visitors should be told to avoid shining their lights on the ceiling in an effort to view the bats. It is our experience that if you walk quietly through a bat-roost, with your headlamp aimed at the floor, bats tend to stay put and not erupt into a flurry of panicked flight as is the case when several people collectively shine their lights at them.

4.4.3.7. A definite track should be established, and flagged, that avoids delicate formations, guano deposits, and anything else considered susceptible to damage.

4.4.3.8. Caves used for tourism should have a Warden who is responsible for supervising activities at the cave. In most cases, this will be the owner, or someone appointed by the owner, who acts as the lead Guide for the cave. This person should receive training that allows them to appreciate the biological importance of caves, as well as training in safe caving techniques and rescue methods. A first-aid kit should be available and the Warden should know how to use it. Helmets and lights should be mandatory for guests. These can be available for rent for guests who do not have their own.

There is little point in having guidelines and procedures if they are not adhered to, so we suggest that periodic monitoring take place to ensure compliance.

4.5. Monitoring

In this report, we have attempted to supply a snapshot in time of the general condition of the Cockpit Country caves in the year 2005. It is intended to supply base-line information against which future conditions can be compared. An ongoing monitoring program, involving selected caves, could turn our snapshot into a continuum of observations that might eventually reveal unsuspected patterns in cave degradation and recovery.

It would be difficult to monitor all of the caves of the Cockpit Country on a regular basis, unless resources and personnel numbers were relatively unlimited. What can be done is to choose a subset of representative caves and monitor these. This can be done by using the indicators in this report, or others that seem more instructive. The interval between visits would need to be determined by way of collaboration between specialists, funding agencies, and field technicians, but we would suggest that three to four times per year would be sufficient.

4.5.1. The monitoring process itself should be non-disruptive. We suggest that the following approach be considered.

4.5.1.1. Passive observations are preferred for recording biological indicators, using field examination that does not result in the death of the specimen. Photographic records could be of help in this, allowing a detailed inspection by specialists afterwards.

4.5.1.2. To determine bat species, capture and release will be necessary. Harp-nets have been used successfully in a bat-monitoring program being carried out by the Windsor Research Centre, in Trelawny, and the same methods could be employed at other caves.

4.5.1.3. Degrees of siltation can be determined by measurement in selected parts of river caves. These should include an area close to the entrance, and several areas further into the cave.

4.5.1.4. The quantity of garbage in the cave can be determined by counting items of trash in designated parts of the cave.

4.5.1.5. Access to the cave, and travel within, should be done using a definite route that will cause the least amount of soil compaction and no damage to speleothems.

4.5.2. Suggestions for candidate sites follow:

4.5.2.1. The program should include several of the most vulnerable sites, with Marta Tick Cave a priority. Other candidates are Penthouse Cave, Welsch Ratbat Cave, and Good Hope Cave One.

4.5.2.2. A selection of the caves that are of medium vulnerability should be included so that patterns of degradation can be identified. Monitoring of these sites will also indicate if they have become deserving of greater conservation resources. There are many candidates to choose from in this group.

4.5.2.3. Several of the sites we have designated to be at a low vulnerability should be included so that a full range of caves is represented.

5. Appendix A

5.1. We present below a column-by-column explanation of the database that accompanies this report (on a CD-R).

5.1.1. A - CAVE NAME: We have included entries for multiple entrances to caves. The rows that present entrances other than the Main Entrance have information limited to values specific to that entrance. That is to say, we have only included data entries for bats, etc, in the row for the Main Entrance. This was done to reduce the amount of time needed to enter information into the database. Additions to JU, i.e. new discoveries, are marked **

5.1.2. B - This column acts as the filter for the sites that were visited as part of the PiP Project. Excluded sites, and those not found, have coordinates limited to the original JU coordinates, found under JU_JAD69, columns X-Z, with accuracy unknown. WGS84, JAD69, JAD2001 columns, and all "Included" columns, for the excluded sites have U=Undetermined, 0=Undetermined, or N/A=Not applicable, as place-holders. (It was necessary to use 0 in the positional columns for the sake of Arcview use of the .dbf version.) Reasons for exclusion will be found in columns Q-S.

5.1.3. C - MULTIPLE ENTRANCES: The values are Main, Other, and N/A. For caves with more than one entrance, only the rows for the Main Entrance have entries for many columns. Those columns that contain information specific to the other entrances do have entries. Caves with only one entrance are listed N/A. Use a custom filter, "does not equal" "Other" to show only the principal rows for the caves (i.e. remove the Other entrances).

5.1.4. D - WGS84 LAT: This column gives the latitude of the entrance. N.B. - The WGS84 positions are the original GPS-derived coordinates, and should be regarded as the most accurate. JAD69 and JAD2001 coords, columns F-I, have been transformed with Geotrans.

5.1.5. E - WGS84 LONG W: This column gives the longitude of the entrance. N.B - The WGS84 positions are the original GPS-derived coordinates, and should be regarded as the most accurate. JAD69 and JAD2001 coords, columns F-I, have been transformed with Geotrans.

5.1.6. F - JAD2001 EASTING: This column gives the JAD2001 Easting of the entrance. Transform parameters are WGS84 datum; Projection Lambert Conformal Conic, Meridian 77.0W, Origin latitude 18.0N, both standard parallels 18.0N, F.E. of 750000, and F.N. of 650000. Caves not GPS-referenced are marked "0".

5.1.7. G - JAD2001 NORTHING: This column gives the JAD2001 Northing of the entrance. Transform parameters are WGS84 datum; Projection Lambert Conformal Conic, Meridian 77.0W, Origin latitude 18.0N, both standard parallels 18.0N, F.E. of 750000, and F.N. of 650000. Caves not GPS-referenced are marked "0".

5.1.8. H - JAD69 EASTING: This column gives the JAD69 Easting of the entrance. Transform parameters are Datum: dx 65.33 +/- 0.96m, dy 212.46 +/- 1.49m, dz 387.63 +/-0.69m; Projection Lambert Conformal Conic; Meridian 77.0W, Origin latitude 18.0N, both standard parallels 18.0N, F.E. of 250000, and F.N. of 150000. Caves not GPS-referenced are marked "0".

5.1.9. I - JAD69 NORTHING: This column gives the JAD69 Northing of the entrance. Transform parameters are Datum: dx 65.33 +/- 0.96m, dy 212.46 +/- 1.49m, dz 387.63 +/-0.69m; Projection Lambert Conformal Conic; Meridian 77.0W, Origin latitude 18.0N, both standard parallels 18.0N, F.E. of 250000, and F.N. of 150000. Caves not GPS-referenced are marked "0".

5.1.10. J - WGS84/JAD2001 ALTITUDE (m): The entrance height above geoid sea level. This is not the same as the true sea level height in Jamaica. WGS84 and JAD2001 altitudes are identical. The altitudes found are GPS-derived.

5.1.11. K - HORIZONTAL ACCURACY (+/- m): An estimate of the horizontal accuracy, based on GPS reception factors at the time of the recording of the position. More information on this can be found in section 2.2.3. This value only applies to the positions found in the preceding columns.

5.1.12. L - VERTICAL ACCURACY (+/- m): An estimate of the vertical accuracy, based on GPS reception factors at the time of the recording of the position. More information on this can be found in section 2.2.3. This value only applies to the positions found in the preceding columns.

5.1.13. M - GPS MODE/SATELLITES: This column indicates whether the position was differential or non-differential, and gives the number of satellites being received at the time of the recording of the position.

5.1.14. N - DISTRICT: The district where the entrance is located. We have included values for "Other" entrances (as defined in column C).

5.1.15. O - PARISH: The parish where the entrance is located. We have included values for "Other" entrances (as defined in column C). Note that some of these entries might differ from Jamaica Underground due to increased accuracy of the positions, especially near Accompong.

5.1.16. P - CAVE TYPE: We have used the descriptions established in Jamaica Underground to indicate the cave type.

5.1.17. Q - IMPENETRABLE: Sites that are impenetrable sinks or risings, or are mud-choked. This column acted as a filter for determining which sites to exclude from the PiP Project.

5.1.18. R - UNCERTAIN LOCATION: Caves that have uncertain locations, or sites that are suspected to be duplicate entries in JU. This column acted as a filter for determining which sites to exclude from the PiP Project.

5.1.19. S - SIMPLE SHAFT: Sites that are vertical shafts with no/little dark-zone. This column acted as a filter for determining which sites to exclude from the PiP Project.

5.1.20. T - DEPTH (m): The value gives the known total depth of the cave in metres. U=Undetermined indicates that it is unknown. N/A occurs for sites where this does not apply and for "Other" entrances as described in Column C.

5.1.21. U - LENGTH (m): The value gives the surveyed length of the cave in metres (this is a total of survey legs). U=Undetermined indicates that it is unknown. N/A occurs for sites where this does not apply and for "Other" entrances as described in Column C.

5.1.22. V - ENTRANCE SIZE: We give in this column the approximate size of the entrance to assist in cave identification in the field. It is expressed as Width in metres, and Height in metres. These numbers are not derived through measurement, but are only estimates.

5.1.23. W - ENTRANCE ASPECT: This is the direction that the entrance faces given in True North degrees. It is supplied to assist in cave identification in the field.

5.1.24. X - JU JAD69 EASTING: This is the JAD69 Easting of sites that we have not georeferenced, as received from Jamaica Underground. N.B - Not GPS-derived. The positions have an unknown accuracy. JCO georeferenced sites are listed as N/A.

5.1.25. Y - JU JAD69 NORTHING: This is the JAD69 Northing of sites that we have not georeferenced, as received from Jamaica Underground. N.B - Not GPS-derived. The positions have an unknown accuracy. JCO georeferenced sites are listed as N/A.

5.1.26. Z - JU JAD9 ALT: Not GPS-derived. Altitudes are from JU with accuracy unknown. JCO georeferenced sites listed as N/A.

5.1.27. AA - ACCESSIBILITY: This column indicates the difficulty involved in entering the cave. The values are Impenetrable, Walk-in, Crawl, Swim, Scramble, Vertigear, Choked.

5.1.28. AB - VERTIGEAR PITCH (m): For those sites that require vertical gear to enter, this indicates the depth of the vertical. It gives a heads-up on how long it will take to get in and out.

5.1.29. AC - EXPLORER: Y/M/D: This column gives the organisation-name, or person, who is known to have first explored the cave, followed by the Year, Month and Day of the exploration. For many sites, we do not know the month and day, just the year. Undetermined is given for those where this information is unknown.

5.1.30. AD - SURVEY: Y/M/D: This column gives the organisation-name, or person, who is known to have surveyed the cave, followed by the Year, Month and Day of the survey. Unsurveyed indicates that there is no known survey.

5.1.31. AE - POSITION RECORDED BY: This column lists the person who obtained the position, when this information is known. N/A covers all other situations.

5.1.32. AF - POSITION CONFIRMED: This column indicates if the listed position has been confirmed during a second visit.

5.1.33. AG - PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: The leader of the particular visit that took place on the date found in the next two columns. All of the following columns are based on observations made during this visit.

5.1.34. AH - YEAR: The year during which the particular visit took place that has supplied data values for the following columns.

5.1.35. AI - MONTH/DAY: The month and day on which the particular visit took place that has supplied data values for the following columns.

5.1.36. AJ - TIME IN/OUT - LOCAL: The period when the team were in the cave during the AG - AI visit. Time is Eastern Standard.

5.1.37. AK - VEGETATION/LAND-USE AT CAVE ENTRANCE: Land-use in the immediate vicinity of the cave entrance. The values are Forest, Bush, Scrub, Meadow, Pasture, and Farm. These are defined in section 2.1.2.1 of this report.

5.1.38. AL - VEGETATION/LAND-USE IN GENERAL LOCALE - PRIMARY: The primary land-use in the general area of the cave entrance. The values are Forest, Bush, Scrub, Meadow, Pasture, and Farm. These are defined in section 2.1.2.1 of this report.

5.1.39. AM - VEGETATION/LAND-USE IN GENERAL LOCALE - SECONDARY: Secondary land-use in the general area of the cave entrance. The values are Forest, Bush, Scrub, Meadow, Pasture, and Farm. These are defined in section 2.1.2.1 of this report.

5.1.40. AN - PERCENTAGE OF CAVE IN DARK ZONE: This value is expressed as a percentage and represents an estimate of the amount of the cave that is entirely dark at all times (other than when a caver stumbles through). Further information for the use of this value is found in section 2.1.2.3 of this report.

5.1.41. AO - SPELEOTHEM DAMAGE: The column presents the degree of damage in each cave to formations and speleothems. The values are: None, Some, Much.

5.1.42. AP - SPELEOTHEM TYPE: The formations that were observed to be in the cave.

5.1.43. AQ - GRAFFITI: This column lists whether graffiti is present in the cave. The values are: None, Some, Much.

5.1.44. AR - GARBAGE: A record of the presence of garbage, trash, litter found in the cave during the visit described in columns AG - AI. The values are: None, Some, Much.

5.1.45. AS - GARBAGE TYPE/LOCATION: The type of garbage and where it was primarily found in the cave. The values for garbage are: Trash, Bottle-torches, and Litter. The values for location are: Entrance, Throughout.

5.1.46. AT - GARBAGE MODE OF ENTRY: This indicates how the garbage noted in AR entered the cave. The values are: Dumped, Carried, Rafted.

5.1.47. AU - HUMIDITY: The internal humidity during the time of the visit. Values are: Dry, Semi-humid, Humid. Further information on this indicator will be found in section 2.1.2.4 of this report.

5.1.48. AV - TEMPERATURE: The approximate temperature in the cave during the time of the visit. The values are: Cool, Warm, Hot. Further information on this indicator will be found in section 2.1.2.5 of this report.

5.1.49. AW - HYDROLOGICAL: "Wet" caves are those with flowing water, seasonal or year-round. "Dry" caves are those with no flow at any time. Further information on this indicator will be found in section 2.5 of this report.

5.1.50. AX - RESURGENCE: The stated condition applies to the time of the visit. "Other" entrances, as described in Column C, have values in this column. All entrances listed as Dry or Active are resurgences in the rainy-season. The values are: N/A, Dry, and Active.

5.1.51. AY - SINK: The stated condition applies to the time of the visit. "Other" entrances, as described in Column C, have values in this column. All entrances listed as Dry or Active are sinks in the rainy-season. The values are: N/A, Dry, and Active.

5.1.52. AZ - STREAM PASSAGE WITH SEASONAL SURFACE ACTIVITY: This column indicates the amount of flow observed during the time of the visit. It only applies to caves that have entrances that are sinks, risings, or both. The values are: N/A, Dry, Pooled, Minor flow, Moderate flow, Strong flow, Flooded.

5.1.53. BA - STREAM PASSAGE W/OUT SEASONAL SURFACE ACTIVITY: This column indicates the amount of flow observed during the time of the visit. It only applies to caves that have entrances that are not sinks, risings, or both, i.e. all flow occurs underground with no external activity at any time of the year. The values are: N/A, Dry, Pooled, Minor flow, Moderate flow, Strong flow, Flooded.

5.1.54. BB - TERRESTRIAL SILTATION: The degree of siltation observed in hydrologically active caves. Further information will be found in section 4.2.3 of this report. The values are: N/A, None, Low, Moderate, Heavy

5.1.55. BC - BAT-ROOST: This column acts as a filter to indicate which caves have bat-roosts, and which do not. Caves that were Excluded are marked N/A. The values are: Yes, No, N/A, Undetermined.

5.1.56. BD - BAT NUMBERS: The stated number applies to the time of the visit. Further information will be found in section 2.1.2.6 of this report. The values are: None, <100, <500, >500, >5000.

5.1.57. BE - NUMBER OF BAT SPECIES: This column primarily serves to separate simple Artibeus roosts from mixed-species roosts. Further information will be found in section 2.1.2.7 of this report. The values are: N/A, 1, >1.

5.1.58. BF - BAT LOCATION: This column indicates the likelihood of particular bat species occurring in the cave. The values are: N/A, Twilight, Dark, Both.

5.1.59. BG - BAT OCCUPANCY OF SUITABLE SPACE: An estimate of the amount of suitable roosting space being used during the time of the visit. The values are expressed as a percentage: N/A covers caves that are not bat-roosts or were Excluded.

5.1.60. BH - GUANO DEPOSITS: Indicates presence of bat guano deposits. The values are: N/A, Little, Some, Extensive.

5.1.61. BI - GUANO MINING: When it has been possible to determine if guano extraction has taken place, the information will be found in this column. Further information will be found in section 4.2.1 of this report. The values are: N/A, None, Historic, Current, Both. "None" indicates caves with bat-roosts that have not been mined.

5.1.62. BJ - SCALE OF HISTORIC MINING: This is an estimate of the degree of guano extraction that has taken place historically. The values are: N/A, Light, Moderate, Extensive.

5.1.63. BK - SCALE OF CURRENT MINING: This is an estimate of the degree of guano extraction that is currently taking place. The values are: N/A, Light, Moderate, Extensive.

5.1.64. BL - GUANO QUALITY: This column indicates the condition of extant guano deposits. The values are: N/A, No Accumulation, Old/compact, Wet/compact, Fresh/fluff. "No Accumulation" applies to bat-roosts that do not have enough existing guano to be defined, i.e. limited to individual faeces.

5.1.65. BM - GUANO LOCATION: The location of guano deposits indicates what species might have been responsible for depositing them. The values are: N/A, Twilight, Dark, Both.

5.1.66. BN - AMERICAN COCKROACH: This column indicates presence or absence of Periplaneta americana. See section 4.2.2 of this report for further information. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined. Use a custom filter [Some "or" Many] to list caves with P. americana.

5.1.67. BO - AMBLYPYGID: This column indicates presence or absence of Amblypygids. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.12 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.68. BP - NEODITOMYIA FARRI: This column indicates presence or absence of N. farri. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.13 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.69. BQ - ARANEAE: This column indicates presence or absence of troglobitic spiders. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.14 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.70. BR - SESARMA VERLEYI: This column indicates presence or absence of S. verleyi. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.15 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.71. BS - ELEUTHERODACTYLUS CUNDALLI: This column indicates presence or absence of E. cundalli. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.16 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.72. BT - UVAROVIELLA CAVICOLA: This column indicates presence or absence of cave crickets. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.17 of this report. The values are: None, Some, Many, Undetermined.

5.1.73. BU - OTHER NOTABLE SPECIES: Any other notable species found in the cave are listed here.

5.1.74. BW - ARCHAEO RESOURCES: Denotes the presence or absence of archaeological resources. The values are: None, Amerindian, Historic, and Undetermined.

5.1.75. BX - ARCHAEO RESOURCE TYPE: The type of archaeo resources observed. The values are: N/A, Pictograms, Petroglyphs, and Potsherds.

5.1.76. BY - LITHOLOGY: This column indicates the surface rock found where the cave is located. The values are: Cretaceous, Yellow or White Limestone, Yellow-White Junction, Alluvium.

5.1.77. BZ - BEDDING: The degree of bedding found in the rock where the cave is located. White limestone is massively-bedded, meaning that they consist of very thick layers that do not exhibit marked bedding-planes. The values are: Poor (Massive), Moderate, Strong.

5.1.78. CA - JOINTING: An indicator of how strongly jointed the rock is where the cave is found: The values are: Poor, Moderate, Strong.

5.1.79. CB - PUBLIC FACILITIES: This column lists whether there are any public facilities at the cave. We have included pumphouses. The value is the Type found.

5.1.80. CC - VISITORS PER YEAR: An estimate of the degree of visitation, excluding visits that were made as part of this project. The values are: 0, <50, >50.

5.1.81. CD - VISITOR TYPE: The type of visitation at the cave. The values are: N/A, Local, Tourist, Guano extraction.

5.1.82. CE - OWNERSHIP: When known, we have listed the ownership here. The values are: Private, Government (Forestry Dept), NGO (specify), Unknown. Caves located within the Forestry Reserve land were determined by plotting GPS positions on the topo maps with Arcview, and noting if they were within the layer that defines Forestry lands.

5.1.83. CF - PROTECTION STATUS: The values are: None, Yes. In the database, all values listed are None.

5.1.84. CG - VULNERABILITY: A general indication of how vulnerable the cave is to future degradation. Further information can be found in section 2.1.2.21 of this report. The values are: Low, Medium, High.

6. Appendix B - Arcview project files

Project files and maps for use with Arcview will be found on a CD-R that accompanies this report.

7.1. Appendix C - Archaeology of the Cockpit Country - IC Conelley

Perhaps ten or fifteen hundred years ago a new tribe arrived on the larger islands of the Caribbean Sea.

They were the Tainos, long known as the Island-Arawaks or simply the Arawaks. Their ancestors were the Arawaks on the mainland of South America but with the passage of time they evolved a new culture. Their link with the mainland Arawaks was a common Arawakan language.

They settled in the Greater Antilles, that group of larger islands of the Caribbean Sea that comprises Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. There occupied some of the smaller islands of the Bahamas too.

They came to dominate an area that had been earlier occupied by the Casimiroid peoples. The descendants of these people in Cuba and likely Jamaica belong to the Redondan subseries. Not much is known of this earlier Redondan culture in Jamaica but that they might have lived outdoors and in caves and though a Stone Age people might have used ceramic utensils.

The Tainos would have over the centuries conquered, subdued or assimilated the previous inhabitants of these territories and come in total possessions of them.

The Tainos settled into an agricultural life-style, with hunting and fishing and trapping. It was now their land.

They had a political structure with village heads or kings called caciques and regions encompassing several villages headed by a regional cacique. The cacique’s ceremonial chair was the duho which was both functional and highly ornate.

They lived in houses made from wood and roofed with thatch. Some of these were circular, caneys, and some - those inhabited by the caciques - rectangular, bohios.

They were a people with time on their hands, not always rushing out looking for the next meal. They enjoyed the leisure of games. One of these, they played with a rubber ball on a large rectangular court. The name of this game was batey and the rules included using only your torso to move the ball. Use of hands and feet was illegal. Diego Mendez who was instrumental in getting the stranded Christopher Columbus off the island of Jamaica in 1503 owes his life to the importance of this game. Mendez had been captured by Tainos who left him to play their ball game to determine who would 'dispose' of him. During the game, he made his escape.

The Tainos would also use this rectangular court for ceremonial functions including rites involving healing.

They had their healers who, with an understanding of health and sickness and possibly their causes, effected a physical and psychological cure.

They had a structured life. The male and female had roles. The males for the most part hunted and fished and females tended the gardens. They grew their root crop, cassava, on mounds of earth called conucos akin to the modern Jamaican “yam hill” or “yam bank”.

They used cotton trees for making boats and the gourds from calabash trees for the making of plates and utensils. They baked their cassava on a clay griddle, and they fashioned their pots from clay.

They had hammocks for sleeping and tobacco for smoking.

They often buried their dead in caves that they would sometimes mark with petroglyphs.

They made clothes from cotton but wore them sparsely. The women would wear a nagua, a skirt, the length of which would vary depending on her status - the higher the status the longer the skirt. Men would wear a loin garb. Children would not wear clothes. Body painting was usual. Annatto was used in this exercise. Annatto is a seed that provides a red dye.

Body piercing was also a requisite and in these orifices would be placed feathers or jewellery, particularly important in ceremonial activity. In order to toughen the skull, a board would be placed against the forehead of children that also had the effect of flattening the forehead.

In Jamaica, evidence of their habitation has been found throughout the island, though not much work has been done in sifting out this evidence and understanding its significance.

In Trelawny, which contains most of the Cockpit Country, for example, over 19 sites have, at one time or another been identified. These were places found accidentally. Not much concerted effort has been made to find Taino sites.

Of the sites listed in this document some are new and need further work and some have been thoroughly investigated:

Appleton Tower Maze is newly defined as a Taino cave with the surface finds of Bivalve shells and potsherds.

Home Away from Home Cave newly defined with the finding of petroglyphs

Long Mile Cave excavated by Don McFarlane

Pennhouse Shelter 1 newly defined as a Taino Cave with the surface finds of Potsherds

Ruined Ground Cave was explored by H E Anthony

Spring Cave was explored by the Jamaica Caving Club in 1965 and thought to be the same as Pantrepant Cave. This shelter cave is described in archaeological reports as Pantrepant East Cave and is different from Pantrepant Cave.

Pantrepant Cave This is described as 30 metres long and is referred to in archaeological reports as Pantrepant West Cave

History has recorded that the Tainos were decimated by the brutality of the Spaniards and the diseases of the Europeans, but there are people who now say that the blood of these Tainos ‘run in their veins’. The culture has disappeared but the bloodline might not have.

Caves alphabetically	Section - District
Adam's Cave	3.8 Southwest
Adam's Third Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Agony Hole	3.2 Northeast
Anancy Hole**	3.4 Troy
Appleton Tower Maze	3.6 Thornton
August 23 Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Back-of-Hut Pit-1	3.7 Quick Step
Back-of-Hut Pit-2	3.7 Quick Step
Bad Hole	3.1 Windsor
Barbecue Bottom Hole-1	3.2 Northeast
Barbecue Bottom Hole-2	3.2 Northeast
Barracks Cave	3.9 Northwest
Behind the Wall Cave	3.8 Southwest
Belmore Castle Pit-1	3.7 Quick Step
Belmore Castle Pit-2	3.7 Quick Step
Big Well Cave	3.8 Southwest
Black River Head	3.5 Balaclava
Bluefields Sink	3.5 Balaclava
Bonafide Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Booth Camp Spring	3.4 Troy
Burnt Hill Caves	3.3 Rock Spring
Campbells Cave	3.2 Northeast
Canaan Spring	3.7 Quick Step
Cane Patch Sink	3.3 Rock Spring
Carambie Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Cawley Well	3.8 Southwest
Cedar Spring Cave	3.8 Southwest
Clear River Cave**	3.9 Northwest
Coffee River Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Comb Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Contra Sheep Pen Hole	3.1 Windsor
Cook's Bottom Sink	3.8 Southwest
Cowtrap Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Crayfish Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Crescent Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Dalby's Stream Cave	3.4 Troy
Dead Baby Sinkhole**	3.9 Northwest
Devil's Staircase	3.1 Windsor
Dunco Spring Cave	3.8 Southwest
Duppy Cave	3.9 Northwest
East Hole	3.2 Northeast
Ed's Lost Rack Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Ellen's Mourning Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Falling Cave	3.6 Thornton
Far Enough Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Farmyard Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Fitzie's Fissures 1-3**	3.9 Northwest
Flood Exit Cave	3.1 Windsor
Flood Rising	3.1 Windsor
Fontabelle Rising	3.1 Windsor
Glade Fissure Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Golding River Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Good Hope Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Good Hope One Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Good Hope Two Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Greater Swanga Shelter**	3.3 Rock Spring
Gremlin Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Gun Hill	3.9 Northwest
Harties Cave-1	3.3 Rock Spring
Harties Cave-2	3.3 Rock Spring
Hector's River Sink-3	3.5 Balaclava
Hessie's Hole**	3.1 Windsor
Hole-in-the-wall Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Home Away From Home Cave**	3.1 Windsor
Hope River Glade Caves	3.9 Northwest
Innerwell Fissure Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Iron Maiden Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Jabbering Crow Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Johnny Tavern Spring	3.8 Southwest
Killer Corkscrew Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Kinloss Shelter	3.2 Northeast
Kolan Bush Sinkhole	3.4 Troy
Liefs Sink	3.9 Northwest
Linda's Minipit	3.7 Quick Step
Long Mile Cave	3.1 Windsor
Marta Tick Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Martel Spring	3.8 Southwest
Martel Spring Cave	3.8 Southwest
Mexico Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Minocal's Glory Hole	3.7 Quick Step
Mirk Pit	3.2 Northeast
Montieth Cave	3.2 Northeast
Mouth Maze	3.3 Rock Spring
Mouth River Sink	3.3 Rock Spring
Nanny Cave	3.6 Thornton
Olive Piece Property Caves	3.7 Quick Step
Pantrepant Cave	3.1 Windsor
Pennhouse Shelter-1**	3.6 Thornton
Pennhouse Shelter-2**	3.6 Thornton
Pennhouse Shelter-3**	3.6 Thornton
Penthouse Cave	3.6 Thornton
Peru Mountain Holes	3.1 Windsor
Pool Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Printed Circuit Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Prosper Rock	3.9 Northwest
Quaw's Pond Sink	3.1 Windsor
Raheen Sink-1	3.5 Balaclava
Ramgoat Cave	3.2 Northeast
Red Top Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Retirement Cave	3.8 Southwest
River Maiden Cave	3.6 Thornton
Road-side Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Robber Cave	3.8 Southwest
Robert Ming's Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Rolling Rock Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Ruined Ground Cave	3.1 Windsor
Salmon Cave	3.9 Northwest
Saucy River Cave	3.8 Southwest
Sawmill Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Sawmill Collapse	3.7 Quick Step
Sheep Pen Cave	3.1 Windsor
Shell Cave	3.8 Southwest
Sherlock's Pit	3.8 Southwest
South Hole	3.2 Northeast
Spring Cave	3.1 Windsor
Springvale South Cave	3.9 Northwest
Stephenson Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Still Waters Cave	3.8 Southwest
Swanga Cave, [aka Banga Cave]	3.3 Rock Spring
Tamarind Pond Hole	3.7 Quick Step
The Tomhole	3.7 Quick Step
Too Far Stream Cave	3.3 Rock Spring
Tyre Stream Cave**	3.4 Troy
Tyre Sump Cave	3.4 Troy
Undernose Cave	3.7 Quick Step
Vaughansfield Cave	3.9 Northwest
Vauxhall Cave	3.8 Southwest
Wallingford Collapse Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Wallingford Main Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Wallingford River Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Wallingford Roadside Cave	3.5 Balaclava
Wallingford Sinkhole-1	3.5 Balaclava
Wandering Well	3.7 Quick Step
Warmy Tom Hole	3.8 Southwest
Wayne's Pit	3.7 Quick Step
Welsch Ratbat Cave	3.6 Thornton
White Cave	3.4 Troy
Wilson's Run Cave	3.4 Troy
Windsor Great Cave	3.1 Windsor
Wondrous Cave	3.8 Southwest
Young Gully Cave	3.9 Northwest
Young's Cave	3.9 Northwest