Amazing Adaptations: Meet the Texas Blind Salamander

Scientists inspect a female Texas Blind Salamander to see if she is carrying eggs.

The life cycle of the Texas Blind Salamander (Eurycea rathbuni) begins as an egg.

A fully grown Eurycea rathbuni. The average adult length is approximately five inches.

Vocabulary

Artesian Zone

The section of the Edwards Aquifer where the water pressure brings water to the surface naturally in springs and some wells.

Contributing Zone

Also called the Drainage Zone, the watersheds in this area drain into streams or areas where water is quickly absorbed into the Edwards Aquifer.

Recharge Zone

The part of the Edwards Aquifer with sinkholes and fractures where rainwater easily enters and refills the aquifer.

Groundwater

Water that is stored underneath the earth’s surface.

Aquifer

An underground resource of water, like the Edwards Aquifer in South Texas.

PODCAST

The Recharge Zone Podcast is the official podcast for the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), a regional water management agency, which protects the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer – a jurisdictional area that provides water to over 2.5 million people, and covers more than 8,000 square miles across 8 counties! Tune in to charge up your knowledge on all things Edwards Aquifer from the EAA.

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Watch: Amazing Adaptations (2:39 mins)

The Edwards Aquifer is home to threatened and endangered species protected by the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). Hear from Kristy Smith, EAA Environmental Scientists II, as she share facts about these species that live in the Comal and San Marcos Springs.

Videos

Watch: Ezell’s Cave and The Search for the Blind Monster! (40 mins)

Created by naturalist Joe Furman, this award winning documentary goes in search of the rare Texas Blind Salamander in the wild.

Watch: Discovering the Texas Blind Salamander
(0:39 secs)

The Texas Blind Salamander is of considerable scientific interest due to its uniqueness – its only known habitat is the Edwards Aquifer in the San Marcos area. The Texas Blind Salamander is listed as endangered by USFWS and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Activities

Draw the Texas Blind Salamander

Draw the Texas Blind Salamander

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Color Karston the Texas Blind Salamander

Color Karston the Texas Blind Salamander

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Create Your Own Karston Hat with External Gills

Create Your Own Karston Hat with External Gills

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