This May 15th marks the 21st annual Endangered Species Day. What began as a U.S. initiative has grown into a global movement, supported by zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations around the world. Established by the U.S. Congress in 2006, the day encourages people from all walks of life to learn about and engage in the protection of endangered species. This movement goes back to 1973, when the Endangered Species Act was signed into law. This has played a critical role in protecting vulnerable species; however, conservation is an ongoing global effort supported by leading organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN maintains the most comprehensive global assessment of species status through its Red List, with the most recent additions being the emperor penguin and Antarctic fur seal. These animals have been gravely affected by melting sea ice, and while Antarctica may feel worlds away, the lesson remains for the impact of global warming on endangered species. Education is the first step toward conservation. Here at the EOC, we invite you to explore the unique and endemic species that depend on the Edwards Aquifer that are protected by the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). The EAHCP defines how the plan protects 8 federally listed species that live in the Edwards Aquifer and the Comal and San Marcos springs. The program’s Incidental Take Permit (ITP) was granted to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, City of San Marcos, City of New Braunfels, Texas State University, and the City of San Antonio acting by and through the San Antonio Water System (collectively known as the EAHCP Permittees) to protect federally listed species from specific activities, Covered Activities, like groundwater pumping.

Check out this video that Kristina Tolman, EAA Senior HCP Coordinator, for our Threatened and Endangered Species Team captured of the work that happens underwater (literally) for the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) in the Comal Springs system. Here you will see a rare underwater glimpse of the restored aquatic habitat at Spring Run 3 in the Comal Springs system in New Braunfels, Texas at Landa Park. The endangered fountain darter habitat in this springs system was restored with native ludwigia plants, which give the darter a place to perch and shelter from larger predatory fish.