Georgetown salamander ranging observations

[joneill809]

Interesting article on the conclusions of study of a local salamander in central Texas and it's ranging habits. Salamander conservation is a hot topic here in central Texas where different isolated populations of salamanders in springs & caves often run in direct conflict with development projects. F&W is considering applying endangered status which always makes for a lively debate with local politicians:
http://www.statesman.com/news/williamson...18035.html

More on the scientist behind the study:
http://www.southwestern.edu/departments/...albehavior

And the school's write up on his work:
http://www.southwestern.edu/live/news/64...e-research

The Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia) is a small salamander that is believed to exist only in Williamson County. It lives in springs found in the South, Middle and North Forks of the San Gabriel River and in wet caves. The salamander is threatened because many of the springs where it lives have been degraded by development.

[joneill809]

I had not realized how narrow these ranges were. Previously I was aware of a salamander population in Austin, but I did not realize it's range is limited to a single pool in downtown. It has been listed as endangered since 1998. Here's a write up on the Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum):
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wil...alamander/