Earth Day 2015-Recognizing Endangered Species Project-Austin Blind Salamander,Eurycea waterlooensis

Aquatic Life & Ecosystem

Project Name

Earth Day 2015-Recognizing Endangered Species Project-Austin Blind Salamander,Eurycea waterlooensis

Project Description

The Austin Blind Salamander, Eurycea waterlooensis, lives in the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, which is found in Travis county, Texas. The species has been designated as endangered because the habitat in which it survives has been heavily modified by human use as a spring source and water source for nearby public pools thereby degrading the water quality. The species depends entirely on water of high quality with a narrow range of conditions (as it relates to temperature, pH and alkalinity), which is unique to the Edwards Aquifer for respiration, feeding and reproduction. Saving the species is critical because they offer a unique ecosystem value that can be studied for educational purposes and can serve as an environmental monitor for the water surface in which it lives. Activity that directly or indirectly affect the Edwards Aquifer should be avoided especially those that involve input or output of water that can alter its pH, temperature and alkalinity.

Body of Water

None selected

Project Owner

Gcagbasiere