Jollyville Plateau salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jollyville Plateau salamander |
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The Jollyville Plateau salamander (scientific name: Eurycea tonkawae) is a special type of salamander. It is sometimes called the Tonkawa Springs salamander. These amazing creatures live only in Texas, specifically in Travis and Williamson counties in the United States.
What makes them super special is that they keep their gills their whole lives! Most amphibians lose their gills when they grow up, but not these salamanders. They are related to other unique Texas salamanders like Eurycea naufragia and Eurycea chisholmensis.
Where Does the Jollyville Plateau Salamander Live?
These salamanders love water! Their natural homes are freshwater springs, small streams that flow from springs (called spring runs), and wet caves. These caves are part of a special underground system called the Buttercup karst system.
Some Jollyville Plateau salamanders live deep inside caves. Scientists are still studying if these cave-dwelling salamanders might be a slightly different kind of species. More research is needed to figure this out!
Why Is This Salamander in Danger?
Sadly, the Jollyville Plateau salamander is facing threats. Its home is disappearing or getting damaged because of fast urban growth. This means more buildings and roads are being built where they live.
Because of these dangers, the United States government listed this species as threatened in August 2013. This listing helps protect them under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Where Can We Find Them and How Many Are There?
Jollyville Plateau salamanders are not found everywhere. They live in specific areas that have lots of water. You can find them near wet caves, springs, and streams fed by springs.
They like to hide in aquatic habitats. This means you might find them under rocks, among water plants, or in algae. Studies have shown that you can find the most salamanders during rainy seasons, like spring and summer. They tend to live in groups, only being found in the Jollyville Plateau and Bushy Creek areas of Texas.
