PRIORITY: URGENT
PURPOSE: ANNOUNCEMENT
SUBJECT: NEW SPECIES DISCOVERED

Attention all scientists!

An incredible discovery has been made deep in the Shady Caverns by its namesake, Dr. Roy Shade, who has been exploring these subterranean caves. Dr. Shade has been quietly observing a microecosystem that exists only in the depths of the Shady Caverns and is now making his research available for public use.

The Shady Caverns microecosystem consists of four animals and two plant species that support each other’s life cycles. The animals include one reptile, one mammal, one fish, and one insect; the plants are a bioluminescent moss and an aquatic grass. Further research into the social behaviors of these creatures and the life cycles of both animals and plants is necessary, and Dr. Shade has hinted that he may extend an invitation to visit his base camp in the caverns to all who might be interested, once he has finished his preliminary work.

A few short excerpts from his field notes follow. Please contact Dr. Shade directly for his entire 300-page report and accompanying pictures and sketches.

Feeding Habits

The reptile appears to feed only on the mammal; attempts at offering a few individuals fish I caught using a rudimentary line and hook failed to attract any interest. The mammal, on the other hand, appears more opportunistic and will feed on fish and insect alike. The fish feed solely on the insect, either adults or eggs and grubs depending on the fish’s own developmental stage. The insect feeds on Stona Strio (an aquatic grass) during the larval stage and on Kaverno Musko (a bioluminescent cave moss) during the adult stage, although I have observed adults occasionally grazing on Stona Strio, chiefly during mating season.

Local Flora

Both reptile and mammal excrement provide nutrients for Kaverno Musko and Stona Strio; fish excrement may play a role in the nutrition of Stona Strio, although further investigation is needed there. The moss is particularly fast-growing around heavy deposits of guano, and large patches can provide enough light for a human to dimly observe faint outlines and shapes. Transplantation of moss samples to areas around my encampment has proven fruitful as long as the moss is regularly fertilized.

Observed Social Behavior

The mammal and insect are most skittish about being approached, with both taking flight if I make any sudden movements or draw too near. If I sit still, at times an insect will perch on my head or knee for a brief time—once, I found myself stuck for nearly two hours as an exceptionally beautiful specimen entered torpor while resting on my hand. The mammals still refuse to come near me, even when offered tidbits of fish as incentive.

I was able to train a reptile to carry equipment for me in exchange for my providing sustenance on a regular basis. Her name is Nora. She is a steady, if rather slow-moving, companion and follows me willingly as I trek through the vast network of underground caverns.

Surprisingly, the fish show little fear when I go to the small lake near my encampment to swim, often drawing close to me as though curious before swimming off in search of their next meal. I suspect it has to do with my size—they do not consider me a source of danger as I do not resemble their only natural predator.