Austin is home to three kinds of salamanders: the Barton Springs salamander, the Austin blind salamander, and the Jollyville Plateau salamander. Here’s what you need to know about Barton Springs salamanders:
📍 Barton Springs Salamanders Are Really Special
Barton Springs salamanders exist nowhere else on earth! The little creatures can be found at Barton Springs Pool, hence the name, and mostly live in Eliza Springs. To get to Eliza Springs, walk along the north side of Barton Springs Pool, aka the side with the bathhouse. The springs are close to the fence that separates the free and paid parts of the pool.
📏 They’re Tiny
Measuring roughly 2.5 inches in length, Barton Springs salamanders have small heads and eyes. They can be gray, brown, purple, yellow, or a combination of many colors. The salamanders, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, are aquatic throughout their entire lives and have red, external gills. The species was formally designated in 1993, but has been spotted since at least the 1940s.
💧 Salamanders Help With Drought
Scientists can look at the salamander population at Eliza Springs to help them determine if they can pump more water from Edwards Aquifer. The aquifer supplies thousands of people in Central Texas with drinking water. Salamanders need clear, pure water to survive and can die without enough water during a drought.
📣 Barton Springs Salamanders Are Endangered
Barton Springs salamanders have been considered endangered since 1997, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The city has an Endangered Species Act permit in order to operate Barton Springs Pool with the salamanders. The current permit expires in 2033 and is based on a city plan to reduce harm to the salamanders.
Additionally, the city takes a portion of Barton Springs Pool entrance fee proceeds and puts them in the Barton Springs Salamander Conservation Fund.
🏊 And, don’t worry! Swimming at Barton Springs Pool does not harm the salamanders.
“With proper management, the pool will continue to provide refreshing enjoyment for people and habitat for the Barton Springs Salamander,” the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says.
