A cave is one of the most fascinating environments known to man. Each cave
is almost a closed world and a clumsy intruder such as man always disturbs it.
The slow steady dripping of water, over almost immeasurable time, has produced
exquisite but fragile formations. The cave earth is the home for tiny creatures,
bats find the cave environment ideal for winter hibernation, whilst various
types of flora struggle for existence in the semi-dark zones.
As you walk along you compact the cave earth. Organisms from outside are brought
in on your boots and clothing and affect the cave ecosystem. Formations get
knocked. The first duty of every caver should be to protect the cave from his
or her own actions and to educate others in basic cave conservation.
The cave floor is the most easily damaged part of the cave and requires special
attention. Take a close look at the floor and get to know it. Observe the creatures
that live on it. Never walk on crystal floors, gours or flowstones. Many mud
formations are also unique and should be avoided. Where areas have been taped
off never cross or move the tapes.
Stalactites, especially straws, are very brittle and may break at a touch. Special
care should be taken to avoid walking into these.
Everything in a cave should be protected. This obviously means formations, cave
pearls and all cave life such as spiders and beetles. Not so obviously it also
means broken formations, rocks, bones and other naturally occurring items. Any
material that you take may remove evidence that a scientist may need to understand
the cave.
Leave no litter, no cigarette ends, no chocolate wrappers, no flash bulbs and
no spent carbide. The latter is one of the most difficult things to clear up
and should always be removed even in a cave with an active stream. The cardinal
rule is to take everything out that you take in.
Feeling the texture of the rock can be a rewarding experience. However handling
any formation leaves fingerprints which when covered with a new layer of calcite
(this may happen in a very short space of time) are preserved for ever. Never
give in to the temptation to touch any formation, whether wet or dry.