Because E.sosorum never develops lungs and therefore lives in water its whole life the species is especially susceptible to changes in the quality and quantity of water in its habitat, as a result of urban expansion over the watershed. Sediment run-off into the springs harms the salamander by "clogging of the gills of aquatic species, causing asphyxiation; smothering their eggs and reducing the availability of spawning sites; filling interstitial spaces and voids, thereby reducing water circulation and oxygen availability; filling and blocking of recharge features and underground conduits, restricting recharge and groundwater storage volume and movement; reducing light transmission needed for photosynthesis, food production, and the capture of prey by sight-feeding predators; and exposing aquatic life to contaminants that readily bind to sediments (such as petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals).” (62 Fed. Reg. 23385)
A few short years after first being described in scientific literature, E. sosorum was listed as Endangered in 1997, following a lawsuit by the Save Our Springs Alliance.
The salamander's habitat is not only a natural feature, but one of the most popular recreation sites in the city of Austin. The Barton Springs Pool is a 3-acre natural pool that cools off(or warms up, depending on the time of year) over 400,000 people a year in its nearly constant 68 degree waters. If you are ever in Austin, you have to go. Because this habitat is also the pride and joy of Austinites conservation of the salamander not only saved this unique creature, but also improved the condition of the pool. In the early '90s closings of the pool due to unsafe water conditions were a frequent reality. Run-off from nearby developments and construction made the waters murky and increased bacteria counts.
Under the Habitat Conservation Plan that went in effect in 1998 and will expire in 2013 the city of Austin has to: use special measures when cleaning the pool (no more bleach and high pressure hoses!), control surface water run-off into the springs, prevent introduction of exotic plants and animals into the habitat and surrounding area, reduce loadings of pollutants and sediment from development and much more. Because of one, small amphibian species many good things are happening - a limit has been put on development around the Barton Springs area, which is also the recharge zone for the Edwards Aquifer, and more control has been put on possible introduction of exotic species in the immediate ecosystem.
And the plan in working. The year that the species was described the Biological survey only counted 27 Barton Springs salamanders. Since then the populations have been slowly recovering in the four springs, but the recent droughts and continuous interest in development around the area keeps the fate of the species in limbo.
There is, however, opposition to further conservation of this species, and listing other similar species (like the Jollyville Plateau Salamander) as endangered. As early as this summer U.S. Senator John Cornyn and U.S. Representative John Carter stated that "classifying the amphibians as endangered could hinder area job growth and economic development". The next Habitat Conservation Plan for Barton Springs Salamander is currently in draft by the city of Austin.
What happens with the Barton Springs Salamander in the future remains to be seen, but in the 15 years that it has been listed as endangered and protected it helped save "crown jewel" of Austin. It helped prove that we can conserve a species even while sharing its habitat. Protecting the species helped the city to stall development, keep more of the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer and sustain the ecosystem around Barton Springs.
What I find most interesting about these examples is that amphibians, especially salamanders, to me, are not the typical "charismatic" species we might think of when we consider endangered species conservation. Maybe it is due to the distinct ecology or the presence of certain types of species at the junction of the "wilderness" and urban areas, but I think it's really great that a community rallied around a somewhat unconventional "crown jewel." From the stats you provided, I think the case can definitely be made in favor of its protection and the widespread benefits that protection might provide.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see success surrounding a species like the Barton Springs Salamander, when there are several charismatic megafauna, like tigers in Asia or the giant panda, that are used to reach out to the general public in order to raise funds to protect the biodiversity of various ecosystems. I wonder why the Barton Springs Salamander is such a success story (so far)? Is it because it is well known locally? Is there a sense of responsibility on behalf of Austin to protect this species? Does the fact that it is only found in these aquifers bolster that sense of responsibility and possibly pride? Is this local connection (if it exists) a more effective way of protection certain endangered species than large/well-funded national campaigns?
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI really believe that the apparent success of conservation of this species is due to the strong connection of the surrounding community with this particular area and consequently the species itself. I think there was a lot of media attention when it was first discovered and the community took pride in the fact that here was a little creature that only existed in the Barton Springs and nowhere else in the world.
I think that even if a large, national campaign was started to protect the species and the area only the pressure and support from the local community helped save the species. This is a great example of how conservation efforts can be successful. How can you expect someone from Boston (or LA, Seattle or Miami) to care and want to save this tiny creature that is half-way across the country? Conservation efforts should start and be focused on local communities, rather than trying to appeal to the greater public.