Yellow lampmussel
The Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) is an entirely aquatic, endangered salamander endemic to the spring outflows of Barton Springs in Austin, Texas, relying on clear, constant groundwater flows from the Edwards Aquifer.1, 2, 3 Its survival depends on specific habitat conditions, including sediment-free substrates, aquatic vegetation, and stable water chemistry.1, 4 Because the species is confined to four spring outlets and cannot survive outside this stenothermal environment, habitat degradation (e.g., pollution, reduced springflow, etc.) directly threatens its existence, even if individuals are not physically harmed.1, 5, 4 If habitat alteration is no longer considered in the definition of "harm," activities like urban runoff and aquifer pumping could be allowed since they would not directing harm individual salamanders, but would irreversibly degrade water quality and quantity, leading to the elimination of the species’ only habitat.1, 5, 4 Such impacts would likely drive the Barton Springs salamander to extinction, as the species cannot relocate and depends on uninterrupted high quality springflow for reproduction and survival.2, 4 How will the Service mitigate the increased extinction risks to the Barton Springs salamander and ensure compliance with the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation if the proposed regulatory change is implemented?