Austin serves as a home to three species of salamander. These salamanders include the Barton Springs, the Austin Blind and the Jollyville Plateau salamanders. The first two species are endemic in the Barton Springs area while the third is endemic to the Williamson County. All of these are fully aquatic and belong to the same family of lungless salamanders.

The Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum) is a small salamander that grows from 0.5 to 3inches long and usually stays on the surface. This creature was given a species name to honor the SOS or Save Our Springs – a group that is dedicated to the preservation of the Barton Springs area. Samples of this salamander were collected in 1946. But, it wasn’t until 1993 that it was formally identified. The Barton Springs salamander is federally endangered and made it to the List of the Threatened and Endangered Species in 1997.

The Austin Blind salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis) is an eyeless salamander that also occupies the Barton springs area. This creature can grow up to five inches long and usually occupies the area just below the surface. There is also a group of cave-dwelling blind salamanders whose habitat can be pinpointed at the San Marcos Pool of the Edwards Aquifer. These are the San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana) and the Texas Blind salamander (Eurycea rathbuni), all of which including the Austin Blind salamander are fast becoming endangered species.

Finally, there’s the Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae). It is another aquatic salamander which is very small and has a brownish coloration. It is a perrenibranchiate type, meaning it retains its gills throughout life. This creature prefers the freshwater springs and the karst habitat. It is also a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act.