Cheetos threaten delicate balance in Carlsbad Caverns' cave ecosystem
In Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, a bag of Cheetos left behind by a tourist caused concern among National Park Service employees. Although it may seem trivial to the average person, experts warn that such pollution can have a serious impact on the unique ecosystem inhabiting the park's caves.
The incident took place in one of the cave's most important chambers, Big Room, which is a popular tourist destination. One of the visitors left the bag of Cheetos there.
At the scale of human perspective, a spilled snack bag may seem trivial, but to the life of the cave it can be world changing—warned the National Park Service in an official announcement.
Cheetos as a catalyst for foreign microorganisms
Cheetos, made from processed corn, softened in the cave's humidity, creating an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms and fungi. The National Park Service indicates that such foreign substances quickly attract local organisms.
Cave crickets, mites, spiders and flies soon organize into a temporary food web, dispersing the nutrients to the surrounding cave and formations. Molds spread higher up the nearby surfaces, fruit, die and stink. And the cycle continues—read a post on Facebook published by the park.
The appearance of a new, artificial food source in the delicate cave environment could disrupt natural ecological processes. Furthermore, the growth of fungi and microorganisms might lead to the emergence of organisms not present in this part of the park before, posing a risk to the cave's fauna and flora.
Bats threatened by foreign microorganisms
Carlsbad Caverns, in addition to its rich cave fauna, is also home to up to 17 species of bats, with colonies ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 individuals. It is worth noting that these bats have managed to avoid white-nose syndrome—a dangerous disease decimating their populations in the United States. However, introducing foreign microorganisms and fungi into the cave could pose a serious threat to them.
Combating mold – fighting to maintain balance
Park rangers spent over 20 minutes removing mould and contamination caused by the left-behind Cheetos. As a result of this unplanned disruption, microorganisms appeared that had not previously been present in this ecosystem. Although some organisms involved in the new food web are natural cave dwellers, some contaminants introduced foreign species, potentially threatening the ecosystem's delicate balance.
Cave ecosystems are extremely sensitive to change, as they depend on minimal food sources. Even the smallest human interference can have catastrophic consequences for them. The National Park Service reminds visitors to adhere to the "leave no trace" principle, according to which guests should not leave any waste behind.
Contrary to popular belief, the cave is NOT a big trash can—underline park employees.
Although most of the left-behind trash consists of small items such as chewing gum wrappers or tissues, rangers often have to deal with more problematic waste, including tobacco and even human waste. Every step a tourist takes leaves a trace—even down to microscopic fibres. As park authorities note, some forms of interference are entirely avoidable.
Appeal for greater responsibility from tourists
The park appeals to visitors for greater awareness of their impact on the surrounding environment.
Great or small we all leave an impact wherever we go. Let us all leave the world a better place than we found it—concluded the park rangers, reminding everyone of the responsibility that rests on anyone visiting places with such unique nature.
