Texas - Texas Blind Salamander - Typhlomolge Rathbuni

	Texas Blind Salamander - Typhlomolge Rathbuni
STATUS: Endangered without critical habitat. DESCRIPTION: A troglobitic (cave-dwelling) salamander that is white or pinkish with blood-red external gills and toothpick-like legs; translucent skin reveals internal organs. Head and snout are strongly flattened with two small black dots representing vetigial eyes under the skin. The front feet have four toes; the back feet have five toes. Adults are up to 4.7 inches long. HABITAT: Underground aquifer system of the Edwards Plateau, where water temperature averages 21°C. DISTRIBUTION: Present: San marcos Pool of the Edwards Aquifer in Hays County, Texas. Historic: Known only from Hays County, Texas. THREATS AND/OR REASONS FOR DECLINE:Changes in the Edward Aquifer from such things as increased water usage, urban growth, and pollution. OTHER INFORMATION: Diet consists mainly of zooplankton, crustaceans, and snails. This salamander is aquatic throughout its life. Conservation of this salamander is linked to protection of the Edwards Aquifer. REFERENCES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 1992. Threatened and Endangered Species of Texas. Endangered Species Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Texas Blind Salamander - Typhlomolge Rathbuni

STATUS: Endangered without critical habitat.

DESCRIPTION: A troglobitic (cave-dwelling) salamander that is white or pinkish with blood-red external gills and toothpick-like legs; translucent skin reveals internal organs. Head and snout are strongly flattened with two small black dots representing vetigial eyes under the skin. The front feet have four toes; the back feet have five toes. Adults are up to 4.7 inches long.

HABITAT: Underground aquifer system of the Edwards Plateau, where water temperature averages 21°C.

DISTRIBUTION:

Present: San marcos Pool of the Edwards Aquifer in Hays County, Texas.
Historic: Known only from Hays County, Texas.

THREATS AND/OR REASONS FOR DECLINE:Changes in the Edward Aquifer from such things as increased water usage, urban growth, and pollution.

OTHER INFORMATION: Diet consists mainly of zooplankton, crustaceans, and snails. This salamander is aquatic throughout its life. Conservation of this salamander is linked to protection of the Edwards Aquifer.

REFERENCES:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. August 1992. Threatened and Endangered Species of Texas. Endangered Species Office, Albuquerque, New Mexico