[Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife]

Barton Springs Salamander
Eurycea sosorum

Description: The Barton Springs salamander is a fully aquatic salamander of the genus Eurycea, in the family Plethontidae (lungless salamanders). It is believed that the Barton Springs salamander was formerly a surface species, but due to extremely reduced surface habitat, has adapted to subsurface environments. Because of this shift in habitat, the Barton Springs salamander displays some cave-adapted morphologies. This species is most closely related (genetically) to the Comal blind salamander and the Cascade Caverns salamander, although it is not found in the same range. It can be distinguished by its less pronounced shovel nose and the blotchy appearance of its dorsal surface. This species exhibits a range of colors from gray, brown, or yellowish-brown to purplish-gray, with a "salt-and-pepper" type mottling on its dorsal surface and a creamy, transparent color on its ventral surface. The Barton Springs Salamander is 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long with elongated, slender limbs and reduced eyes. These salamanders have three pairs of prominent red external gills. It has a sizable dorsal fin, but an underdeveloped ventral fin.

Life History: The Barton Springs salamander is an opportunistic predator and feeds on amphipods, snails, mayfly larvae, adult riffle beetles, and other types of small aquatic invertebrates. It is known to breed year round and females reach maturity at 11-17 months. The Barton Springs salamander has a lifespan of at least 10 years. This salamander respires by utilizing oxygen exchange via its external gills and skin, which requires flowing water. Salamander eggs also require a high degree of oxygenation for development of the embryo.

Habitat: This species is found in Barton Springs at depths of 1.5-15 feet (0.5-5 m). It lives under rocks and gravel amongst aquatic plants, algae, and organic debris such as leaves. It is rarely found in silted areas or on exposed limestone. This species usually inhabits the spring openings where it can take advantage of both surface and subsurface habitats. These openings provide an abundant source of food, constant water temperature (68-72 degrees F [20-22 deg C]), neutral pH, and clean, clear, flowing water.

Distribution: Eurycea sosorum is found in four spring outlets at Barton Springs in Zilker Park in Austin, TX (Travis County). These four spring outlets are 1) Main Springs or Parthenia Springs 2) Eliza Springs 3) Sunken Garden Springs and 4) Upper Barton Springs.

Critical habitat has not been designated for this species. The map below depicts the areas where this species has been reported (according to literature review).

Reported Species Distribution of the Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum) [Figure: Houston Advanced Research Center]

Status: The Barton Springs salamander is a state and federally listed (1997) endangered species. This species requires clean and flowing water with high dissolved oxygen for respiration and embryo development. Additionally, this species is sensitive to changes in salinity, supersaturation of water, and excessive sedimentation. Thus, surface water quality and quantity, and groundwater quality and quantity, are important for its survival. Due to its extremely restricted range, this population is sensitive to a major toxic pollution event.

Resources:

Chippindale, Paul T., Price, Andrew, H., Hillis, David M. 1993. A New Species of Perennibranchiate Salamander (Eurycea: Plethodontidae) from Austin, Texas. Herpetologica, Vol. 49, No. 2 (Jun., 1993), pp. 248-259.

Texas Parks and Wildlife, Barton Springs Salamander Species Profile

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Listing

US Fish and Wildlife Service, Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan