New Protections for Rare Salamander, 420 Miles of Habitat
An Environmental Article from All-Creatures.org

From

Center for Biological Diversity
January 2018

On January 2, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected Black Warrior waterdog salamanders under the Endangered Species Act — along with 420 river miles of protected "critical habitat."

Black Warrior waterdog salamander - Image Todd Pierson/Flickr

An important victory to ring in the year: On Tuesday the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected Black Warrior waterdog salamanders under the Endangered Species Act — along with 420 river miles of protected "critical habitat."

These rare salamanders, found only in one river basin in Alabama, are on the brink of extinction because of ongoing habitat destruction and water pollution from agricultural and industrial operations.

The Center petitioned for the salamander's protection in 2004 and again in 2010. This week's decision is the result of a Center legal victory that has protected nearly 200 species.

"Aquatic salamanders like the Black Warrior waterdog are indicator species that reflect the health of the environment we all share," said the Center's Elise Bennett. "Protecting these special amphibians and their habitat will help protect water quality for both waterdogs and people."

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