description San Marcos Salamander Overview
The San Marcos salamander, Eurycea nana, is a small, fully aquatic salamander native only to the spring-fed upper San Marcos River in Hays County, Texas. It has external gills and slender limbs and lives among aquatic vegetation and algae-covered substrates in clear, thermally stable water. The species is federally listed as threatened because its extremely restricted range makes it vulnerable to changes in spring flow, water quality, habitat, and the Edwards Aquifer.
help San Marcos Salamander FAQ
Where does the San Marcos salamander live?
The San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana) is a fully aquatic amphibian native only to the spring-fed upper San Marcos River in Hays County, Texas. It relies heavily on the clear, thermally stable waters of this specific ecosystem.
What does the San Marcos salamander look like?
This small, slender salamander retains its external gills throughout its entire life and possesses tiny, slender limbs. It spends its days hiding among aquatic vegetation and algae-covered substrates at the bottom of the river.
Is the San Marcos salamander endangered?
Yes, the species is considered threatened and is federally protected because its entire native habitat is restricted to a single river system. A drop in the local aquifer levels, which feed the springs, poses a massive risk to its survival.
What do San Marcos salamanders eat?
In their natural habitat within the San Marcos River, these salamanders feed on small aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae. They hunt by waiting in the submerged vegetation and ambushing prey that drifts by.
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