Barton Springs Salamander Scientific Name: Eurycea sosorum Federal Status: Proposed for listing as Endangered

Description are often found under rocks or in of the quality and quantity of water A slender, long-limbed salamander, gravel in water several inches to 15 flowing from Barton Springs is essen- about 2.5 inches in total length, with feet deep. They can also be found tial for its survival. Threats to water a small narrow head and greatly hiding in aquatic plants and algae. quality such as urban runoff, reduced eyes. They vary in color, They rely on a clear, clean, continu- increased development in the Barton and can be dark gray, gray, purplish- ous flow of spring water. The Barton Creek watershed, and the risks of a gray, gray-brown, or yellowish-brown. Springs Salamander is clearly capable toxic chemical spill or sewer line Most individuals have a dark “salt- of living underground, but also breakage in the urban zone surround- and-pepper” mottling on their back. inhabits surface environments. ing Barton Springs remain a concern. These salamanders have external gills Although not known for certain, Also of concern are reduced ground- which are red in color. The Barton some scientists believe the salaman- water supplies due to increased Springs Salamander is entirely der is primarily a surface-dweller that urban water use. aquatic throughout its life. is adapted for life underground when Prior to 1989, aquatic plants surface conditions become unsuitable. were abundant in Barton Springs Pool. Surveys in the early 1970s Distribution showed that the Barton Springs Sala- Spring outlets at Barton Springs in Life History mander was quite abundant, and Austin, Texas. Although relatively little is known about the biology of the Barton many could be found by searching Springs Salamander, new information through submerged leaves in Eliza Habitat is rapidly becoming available. Springs. From 1970 to 1992 the pop- The Barton Springs Salamander Recently hatched young have been ulation of this species dropped occurs only at the spring outflows of found in November, March, and April, sharply. We now know that certain Barton Springs. These salamanders and females with well-developed eggs pool maintenance practices, such as have been found in September the use of high-pressure hoses, hot through January. They are known to water, and chemicals were harmful to eat amphipods (tiny aquatic crus- the salamanders and the aquatic taceans) and other small, aquatic ani- plants in the pool and nearby spring mals. Captive specimens feed on outlets that provide their habitat. amphipods, earthworms, white Today, the pool is maintained in worms, and brine shrimp. ways that minimize damage to the NEED IMAGE salamander and its habitat. The City Threats and Reasons of Austin’s Environmental and Con- servation Services Department also for Decline has planted aquatic vegetation in the Because the Barton Springs Salaman- deep end of the pool to restore habi- der relies on the clear, pure water of tat and more plant restoration is Barton Springs Salamander the Barton Springs Aquifer, protection © ???????? planned for this area. Since the new pool maintenance practices began, the habitat in the pool and nearby springs has rapidly improved. Although the salamander has expanded into its former range in the Barton Springs Pool, scientists believe it probably has not reached the extent of its pre-1970 distribution. Residents and visitors to Austin will be happy to know that swimming in Barton Springs Pool does not pose a threat to the salamander or its habi- tat. With proper management, the pool will continue to provide refresh- ing enjoyment for people and habitat for the Barton Springs Salamander. Recovery Efforts The population level of the Barton Springs Salamander will be routinely

Known distribution of the Barton Springs Salamander. Solid dots mark spring outf lows. Barton Springs Salamander 1 monitored to assess the effects of other pollutants out of our natural For More Information new pool maintenance practices and waters. Contact other factors impacting the habitat. Do what you can as an individ- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin’s Parks and Recreation Depart- ual to conserve water, particularly Wildlife Diversity Branch ment has established an advisory during drought periods. In the home, 4200 Smith School Road team to review and coordinate all you can save water by installing fix- Austin, Texas 78744 pool maintenance procedures that tures, appliances, and toilets designed (512) 912-7011 or (800) 792-1112 could affect the Barton Springs Sala- to use less water, repairing leaky or mander. The City of Austin is con- faucets, and turning off the tap while U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ducting monthly surveys to assess the brushing teeth or doing dishes. Ecological Services Field Office population status of the salamander Landscaping with native, drought tol- 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200 at each of the four springs where the erant plants (xeriscaping), watering Austin, Texas 78758 salamander is known to occur. lawns in the evening or early morn- (512) 490-0057 Finally, research is underway to bet- ing to reduce evaporation, and ter understand the life history and installing a rainwater collection sys- habitat needs of this species. tem for your home, are other effec- The City of Austin is currently tive ways to conserve water. working to acquire land in the Bar- The Barton Springs Salamander ton Springs contributing and is dependent on vegetation to pro- recharge zones through purchases vide food and cover. Do not pull up and conservation easements. Over or otherwise damage aquatic plants 15,000 acres of open space have at Barton Springs. Also, exotic already been protected. These acqui- species often pose significant threats sitions will protect the salamander to native wildlife and plants, includ- through the preservation of open ing listed species. Do not release space, and therefore, protection of aquatic animals or plants into waters water quality. The Austin Nature and they did not come from originally. Science Center has developed an out- Soil erosion and runoff which reach program that involves activities causes siltation of streams is a seri- designed to educate the public about ous threat to water quality and a the Barton Springs salamander and healthy aquatic ecosystem. Manage- its habitat. The Center also directs ment of surface vegetation is the key the SPLASH! Exhibit to raise public to preventing soil erosion and runoff, awareness about the Edwards Aquifer. and encouraging rainfall infiltration Finally, City of Austin biologists are and aquifer recharge. currently working to develop meth- Finally, you can support the ods to increase the accuracy of sala- city’s efforts to protect the salaman- mander population estimates. der by being tolerant of changes that are occurring at Barton Springs Pool. How You Can Help Swimmers can continue to enjoy a Keeping our springs, creeks and more natural Barton Springs Pool underground water clean benefits the and the ecosystem of plants and ani- people and wildlife of the Austin mals, including the salamander that it area. Lawn and agricultural chemi- supports. Visit Zilker Park in Austin cals and pesticides should be used to learn more about the Barton sparingly and only according to label Springs Salamander. directions, particularly within the recharge zone of the aquifer. Care- fully follow recommended procedures References for disposing of containers and rinse Chippindale, P.T., A.H. Price, and D.M. Hillis. 1993. A new species of perenni- water. Take used motor oil to auto branchiate salamander (Eurycea, Plethodontidae) from Austin, Texas. Her- maintenance businesses that can use petologica 49(2):248-259. or dispose of it properly. Be careful Martyn-Baker, J., R. Fieseler, and B. Smith (Eds.). 1992. Hill Country Oasis: Barton with household chemicals and dispose Springs-Barton Creek-Edwards Aquifer. Austin Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, and Save Barton Creek Associa- of the containers according to label tion, Austin, Texas. directions. The City of Austin has a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1992. Endangered and threatened wildlife and designated drop off location for haz- plants; notice of finding on petition to list Barton Springs Salamander. Fed- ardous household material. Call the eral Register 57(239):58779-58781. Household Hazardous Waste Collec- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1994. Endangered and threatened wildlife and tion Facility at (512) 416-8998 for plants; proposal to list the Barton Springs Salamander as endangered. Fed- more information. Keep trash and eral Register 59(33):7968-7978.

2 Barton Springs Salamander Funds for the production of this leaflet were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act.