Austin Blind Salamander
CR

Austin Blind Salamander

Eurycea waterlooensis

Unknown

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

The Austin blind salamander is an endangered species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae, endemic to Barton Springs in Austin, Texas, United States. Its name is derived from Waterloo, the original name of Austin.

The Austin Blind Salamander faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in the Edwards Aquifer system around Austin, Texas. Urban development and increased water extraction have lowered water tables, while surface pollutants infiltrate the aquifer through the region's karst geology. The species' extremely limited range within the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer makes it exceptionally vulnerable to any changes in water quality or quantity.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits the underground waters of the Edwards Aquifer system, specifically in caves and subterranean streams around Barton Springs in Austin, Texas. It requires clean, oxygen-rich groundwater flowing through limestone cave systems at relatively constant temperatures.

Caves and subterranean habitats· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryLegislation

Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE

Honduran Lowland Worm SalamanderVU

Honduran Lowland Worm Salamander

Oedipina quadra

Declining
Kings River Slender SalamanderEN

Kings River Slender Salamander

Batrachoseps regius

Unknown
Conant's Mushroomtongue SalamanderVU

Conant's Mushroomtongue Salamander

Bolitoglossa conanti

Declining
VU

Pygmy Web-footed Salamander

Bolitoglossa pygmaea

Stable

Threatened in United States

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
VU

Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

Unknown
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Austin Blind Salamander classified as Critically Endangered?
Austin Blind Salamander is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Austin Blind Salamander faces severe threats from groundwater depletion and contamination in the Edwards Aquifer system around Austin, Texas. Urban development and increased water extraction have lowered water tables, while surface pollutants infiltrate the aquifer through the region's karst geology. The species' extremely limited range within the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer makes it exceptionally vulnerable to any changes in water quality or quantity.
Where does Austin Blind Salamander live?
Austin Blind Salamander occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Austin Blind Salamander?
The main threats to Austin Blind Salamander are 1.1, 11.1, 11.2, and 11.4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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