Georgetown Salamander
Eurycea naufragia
Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA
Overview
The Georgetown salamander, also known as the San Gabriel Springs salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to springs in Williamson County, Texas, near Lake Georgetown. It inhabits freshwater springs and, possibly, caves.
It is threatened by habitat loss. Many of the springs where this species formerly lived have been destroyed by development, including creation of Lake Georgetown. The specific name refers to the few remaining remnants of habitat for this species.
Eurycea naufragia faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in its extremely limited range within the Edwards Aquifer system of Texas. Urban development and agricultural activities have significantly altered surface water flow patterns, reducing the spring discharge that maintains its cave and spring habitats. Water quality degradation from surface pollutants poses an additional critical threat to this highly specialized salamander.
Habitat
This salamander is endemic to underground springs and caves within the Edwards Aquifer system in south-central Texas. It inhabits the twilight zones of caves and spring outflows where constant water temperature and flow provide the stable aquatic environment essential for its survival.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE
Threatened in United States
Frequently asked questions
Why is Georgetown Salamander classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Georgetown Salamander live?
What are the main threats to Georgetown Salamander?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.