Kingdom Animalia Order Caudata Genus Eurycea Higher classification Brook salamander | Phylum Chordata Family Plethodontidae Scientific name Eurycea tonkawae Rank Species | |
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Similar Salamander, Austin blind salamander, Georgetown salamander, Brook salamander, Salado Springs salamander | ||
The Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is also known as the Tonkawa Springs salamander. It is endemic to Travis and Williamson counties, Texas, United States. This species is perrenibranchiate, retaining its gills throughout life.
Eurycea tonkawae is the sister taxon to E. naufragia and E. chisholmensis, two other endemic perrenibranchiate central Texas salamanders.
Its natural habitats are freshwater springs, spring runs, and wet caves of the Buttercup karst system. Cave dwelling E. tonkawae may represent a distinct species, however further work is needed to clarify their taxonomic status.
Conservation status
Eurycea tonkawae is threatened by habitat loss and habitat degradation due to rapid urban growth. In August, 2013, this species was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
