Alabama waterdog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alabama waterdog |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Necturus
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| Species: |
alabamensis
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The Alabama waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) is a special kind of salamander that lives only in the rivers and streams of Alabama. It's a medium-sized amphibian that keeps its gills for its whole life, even as an adult. Sadly, it's an endangered animal, meaning it's at risk of disappearing forever. Both the IUCN and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service are working to protect it.
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About the Alabama Waterdog
The Alabama waterdog is a medium-sized salamander, usually growing to be about 15 to 22 centimeters (6 to 9 inches) long. It has four toes on each foot and a tail that is flat on the sides, like a paddle. Its gills are always present, looking bushy and red.
What it Looks Like
Adult Alabama waterdogs usually have a brown or black back. They might have very few spots, or no spots at all. Their belly is white and often doesn't have any spots either.
Where it Lives
The Alabama waterdog is found in the streams and rivers of the Appalachian area of Alabama. Specifically, it lives in the headwaters of the Black Warrior River system.
Specific Locations
You can find them in places like Sipsey Fork and Brushy Creek in Winston County. They also live in Mulberry Fork, Blackwater Creek, and Lost Creek in Walker County. Other homes include the North River and Yellow Creek in Tuscaloosa County, and Locust Fork and Blackburn Fork in Blount County.
Its Favorite Home
These salamanders prefer small and medium-sized streams that are not filled with mud or dirt. They like areas with clay. They are often found where larvae of the northern dusky salamander are present. They are less common in streams with lots of Asiatic mussels. Areas with dead leaves and plant bits in calm waters are also important for them.
What it Eats
The Alabama waterdog mostly eats small creatures without backbones, called invertebrates. These include crayfish, tiny shrimp-like animals called amphipods, and different kinds of insect larvae. Sometimes, they also eat small fish, which are vertebrates (animals with backbones).
Its Family Tree
Scientists are still learning about the exact family tree of the Alabama waterdog. It is thought to be related to the N. maculosus and N. beyeri. Sometimes, the Alabama waterdog can even have babies with N. beyeri. However, tests show they are still different species.
Why it Needs Help
The Alabama waterdog is an Endangered species. This means it's at high risk of disappearing from the world. The IUCN has listed it as "Endangered."
Main Threats
Its survival is threatened by two main things:
- Habitat loss: Its home is being broken up into smaller pieces.
- Pollution: The water quality has gotten worse because of pollution from factories, mines, farms, and cities.
How it's Being Protected
Dams and other barriers in the rivers also stop the salamanders from moving freely. Even in the best parts of their habitat, they are not very common. Their numbers can go up and down.
On January 2, 2018, the Alabama waterdog got special protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This law helps protect animals that are in danger. Along with this, 420 river miles of their important habitat also gained protection. This means that people who want to do things that might harm the salamander's home now need to get a special permit from the government.
