Salamanders & Other Wildlife

Aquatic habitats of the Balcones Escarpment are home to a unique diversity of Eurycea salamander species. From the great springs of Comal, San Marcos and Barton, to the myriad small springs and cave streams scattered across the Texas Hill Country, these native Texas salamanders are of increasing conservation interest. Their continued existence relies on the quality and quantity of groundwater for which they compete with their human neighbors. To date, urban populations have shown a remarkable resilience to anthropogenic pressure. Whether this continues into the future remains to be seen. Many Eurycea have been listed due to conservation concerns and many other species are likely to become candidates for listing in the future. Cambrian staff are among a handful of private consultants who are fully permitted to conduct Eurycea salamander due-diligence studies.