San Marcos Salamander
Eurycea nana
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The San Marcos salamander is a small species of aquatic, lungless salamander native to the United States, endemic to Spring Lake and a small region of the headwaters of the San Marcos River near Aquarena Springs, in Hays County, Texas. It is one to two inches long, with a slender body and external gills, and is reddish-brown in color.
The San Marcos Salamander faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination affecting the San Marcos Springs ecosystem. Urban development and increased water demand in the rapidly growing San Marcos area have reduced spring flow and degraded water quality. Invasive species and recreational activities in Spring Lake further compromise the salamander's extremely limited aquatic habitat.
Habitat
Endemic to the San Marcos Springs system in Texas, inhabiting the clear, constant-temperature spring waters and associated aquatic vegetation. The species is restricted to a single spring complex with stable water temperatures around 22°C year-round.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is San Marcos Salamander classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does San Marcos Salamander live?
What are the main threats to San Marcos Salamander?
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