Animal species are disappearing around the world at an alarming rate, and in Travis County, several unique species are at risk.
Scientists estimate that extinction is now happening up to 1,000 times faster than it did in pre-human times. In response, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 was created to protect threatened wildlife and their habitats across the U.S. Animal welfare organizations say preserving endangered species isn’t just about saving individual animals — conservation efforts help maintain healthy ecosystems that benefit everyone.
Here’s a look at some of Travis County’s critters that are endangered or under active conservation:
This beautiful songbird was first listed as an endangered species in 1990, due to habitat loss and fragmentation of mature juniper-oak woodlands that are essential for their nesting and reproduction. In January, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a five-year status review recommending the golden-cheeked warbler be downlisted to threatened.
Considered one of the rarest bird species in North America, whooping cranes can be found throughout Central Texas. They were first listed as endangered in 1970 and are threatened by collisions with manmade objects like power lines, chemical spills, habitat destruction, shootings, and more. Captive flocks often struggle with low genetic diversity and increased disease susceptibility.
The Barton Springs salamander. (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service / Flickr)
This amphibian has been listed as endangered since 1997. The survival of the Barton Springs Salamander is threatened by habitat degradation. They need clean water in their home in the Barton Springs Aquifer, but pollution and overuse of water due to urban expansion have threatened its survival.
The Austin blind salamander lives in the dark, underground waters of the Edwards Aquifer. But like the Barton Springs salamander, it needs clean, cool water to survive. The Austin Blind salamander has been listed as endangered since 1967.
The Tooth Cave ground beetle, which is found only in the karst caves of Travis and Williamson counties, was listed as endangered in 1988 due to habitat loss from urban development. Recovery efforts began in 1994, as the beetle is considered vital for nutrient cycling in its ecosystem.
➕ Here are 10 ways you can help endangered species in your backyard.
