West Rim Cave is one of the lesser known secluded caves of Austin, Texas. This news article will explain the nature behind West Rim Cave and what West Rim Cave is. The other name of West Rim Cave is W98M.
West Rim Cave is located in the vicinity of West Rim Drive and Burney Drive, less than a mile north of the intersection of Far West Boulevard and Mesa Drive. West Rim Cave is located in the Central Austin area. (Ref: https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/get-involved/aus/i35-se-inner-loop-rm1431/061121-tier-i-site-assessment-public-version.pdf)
West Rim Cave and Cotterell Cave are a part Central Austin KFR being that these caves are located in the Central Austin area. (Ref: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Documents/R2ES/Bone%2520Cave%2520Harvestman%25205-Year%2520Review.pdf)
There are endangered species of insects living in this cave which include Texella reyesi (Bone Cave Harvestman). Texella reyesi (Bone Cave Harvestman) are found in a cluster in/along the west-central edge of this karst fauna region. That is why West Rim Cave has been put on the List of Austin Area Caves with Endangered Species. (Ref: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Documents/R2ES/TX_Karst_Veni_2007_Austin_area_karst_zones.pdf, List of Austin Area Caves with Endangered Species as of 22 September 2006)
According to nckri.org, West Rim Cave is part of the known endangered karst species localities and does not affect the local karst zone. (Ref: www.nckri.org/about_nckri/investigations/NCKRI_RI_10.pdf)
Yet however, West Rim Cave is not protected under BCCP and is not owned by the City of Austin or BCCP interestingly enough. West Rim Cave remains intact. (Ref: http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=207215)
Distribution of Texella reyesi (Bone Cave Harvestman) has been found in the geological and topographic features of West Rim Cave along with Cotterell Cave. Bone Cave harvestman can be found on the outer boundary of West Rim Cave which can be seen at an approximate distance. (Ref: https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/wildlife/section-6/docs/invertebrates/e52_final_report.pdf)
Pogonognathellus arthopods have been discovered in this cave. Pogonognathellus is a genus of arthropods belonging to the family Tomoceridae. (Ref: https://fauna-eu.org/cdm_dataportal/taxon/84f0400e-770b-40d0-8f31-4baf968a76a5)
The Misodema reticulata Melichar (Misodema reticulata) inhabits this cave. Misodema reticulata Melichar look like Cixiid or Achilid nymphs. Tropiduchid nymphs resemble Issids. (Ref: https://bugguide.net/node/view/1436326)
According to the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, West Rim Cave does not support a diverse fauna and contains the most widely distributed federally-listed cave invertebrates. This is the most widely distributed of any endangered insects. (Ref: https://books.google.com/books?id=cTc3AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA4-PA30&lpg=SA4-PA30&dq=%22WEST+RIM+CAVE%22&source=bl)
There has been a loss of 4 known endangered karst invertebrate caves which include Beer Bottle Cave, Millipede Cave, Puzzle Pits Cave, and West Rim Cave. A loss of known endangered karst invertebrates has occurred in West Rim Cave. (Ref: BCCP p. 4-29)
The loss of endangered karst invertebrate include the following species: Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana), Tooth Cave spider (Neoleptoneta myopica), Bee Creek Cave harvestman (Texella reddelli), Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesi), Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone), Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Texamaurops redelli), Golden-cheeked warbler, Black-capped vireo, and the Texabama croton. (Ref: http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=321787)
Overall there has been a loss of 38,349 acres worth of potential karst habitat (85% of what remains); and subsequent loss of currently undiscovered species and sites. Some loss of presently unknown populations may occur. This includes the loss of “few sites” outside of the known population of potential karsts and same as for the listed karst invertebrate species. (Ref: BCCP p. 2-19)
West Rim Cave located near West Rim Drive and Burney Drive, Austin, Texas, US 78731.
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