A newly discovered cave is threatened by a commercial limestone quarry according to a study conducted by an American biology professor.

In his study, Dr. Tom Iliffe, an Associate Professor of marine biology at Texas A&M University reports that structures in the cave, internationally recognised as "critically endangered".

In 2002 the cave was uncovered by blasting and quarrying activities in Wilkinson quarry and has continually been threatened according to Dr. Iliffe and other experts by quarry operations and by vandalism.

The report, which has run on the web site cavebiology.com states that the highly decorated cave is filled with stalagmites, soda straws, draperies and helictities which are put at risk by the quarry owner.

In his report, Dr. Iliffe stated: "The quarry operator is objecting to a government order protecting the cave and intends to completely destroy it. He has obtained letters from three 'experts' supporting his plans to quarry the cave away.

"We intend to obtain at least ten times as many letters from experts supporting preservation of the cave."

The report also states that the Government Conservation Officer and the Curator of the Natural History Museum also examined the cave finding several species in its submerged galleries which have been listed as critically endangered.

Dr. Iliffe, who spent 11 years in Bermuda examining local caves, said considerable destruction has taken place in the cave due to the quarrying operations.

Large blocks of breakdown have cascaded down the eastern side of the cave breaking off some cave structures and blowing apart others.

Wilful vandalism has resulted in other structures being smashed and and shattered, some lying in pieces and covering the surface of the cave.

Dr. Iliffe recommends in the report that blasting in the vicinity of the cave must be stopped and the cave set aside as a critical habitat for endangered species.

"A gate needs to be erected at the entrance to prevent unauthorised entrance and to maintain environmental conditions," states Dr. Iliffe. "The site needs to be monitored for effects of blasting and operation of heavy machinery.

"Ideally, this quarry, which endangers not only the cave described here, but also the sizable and historically important Admiral's Cave, located adjacent to the quarry, should be permanently shut down and the Island's aggregate should be imported from other countries."