Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}

{{Infobox protected area

| name = Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge

| iucn_category =

| photo =

| photo_caption =

| map = USA

| relief = 1

| map_caption = Map of the United States

| location = Lawrence County, Missouri, United States

| nearest_city = Springfield, MO

| coordinates = {{coord|37|34|N|93|23|W|region:US|format=dms|display=inline,title}}

| coords_ref =

| area = {{convert|40|acre}}

| established = 1991

| visitation_num = Closed to the public

| visitation_year = 2006

| governing_body = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

| website = [https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ozark_cavefish/ Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge]

}}

The Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge is a 40-acre (16-ha) National Wildlife Refuge located in Lawrence County, Missouri, 20 mi (32 km) west of Springfield. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the land in 1991 to protect the endangered Ozark cavefish.

Wildlife and protected species

In addition to the Ozark cavefish, Turnback Cave provides habitat for the endangered gray bat, whose droppings provide the essential nutrient source for the caves. The refuge is closed to the public.

See also