Barton Springs salamander's disappearance from parts of its historic range

The Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) is a federally listed endangered species found only in the Barton Springs portion of Austin's Edwards Aquifer. Its known distribution is limited to spring outlets in and immediately adjacent to Barton Springs Pool, and surveys have documented declines and local extirpations from portions of its historical habitat. Scientists and the City of Austin attribute the contractions in its range to groundwater pumping, pollution, and habitat alteration, and ongoing recovery efforts focus on restoring spring flow and protecting spring habitats. The species remains extremely range-restricted and subject to monitoring and conservation actions.