Often we think endangered species exist only in exotic places such as Costa Rica, but here we have many federally protected invertebrates living right under our feet - most, in caves. Central Texas is known worldwide for its karst (cave) environment, but many residents are not aware that they live in a landmark subterranean ecosystem, consisting of hundreds of known caves running wildly below, habitat for ancient wildlife. As Central Texas’s climate cycled over millennia between cool and wet, and hot and dry, life above ground was wiped out, but life in the caves below remained protected. This put cave-dwelling creatures on a long evolutionary journey, creating unusual and remarkable wildlife. As they evolved isolated in local caves, they are particularly susceptible to extinction, especially in areas like ours that are undergoing rapid urbanization.

Caves and aquifers also support the endangered Tri-colored bat and the Jollyville salamande. Above ground live the Golden-cheeked warbler and the Black-capped vireo.

Partnering in the presentation of these paintings are the Austin Water Wildlands Conservation, which manages lands to protect the water that recharges the Edward’s Aquifer, and the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, which protects eight endangered species. It is their hope that by using the arts, Austinites will learn to love these animals as much as they learned to love their bats.