advancing research and conservation of Texas Eurycea salamanders
“Texas salamander” gets a mention at #9 (Landmark Settlement Under the Endangered Species Act) on the Vermont Law School’s Top 10 Environmental [Law] Watch List 2011-2012:
An October 18, 2011 article from the Austin American Statesman entitled “Salamanders and their federal ‘red tape’ latest to vex Williamson County officials” discusses the impending listing of the Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea naufragia) and includes and interview with biologist and Eurycea researcher Dr. Ben Pierce of Southwestern University. I’m sure we fellow biologists might agree that E. naufragia is more than just red tape!
Biologist Ben Pierce of Southwestern University searches for the Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea naufragia). Photo by Andy Sharp, Austin American-Statesman.
The Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea naufragia). Photo by Andy Sharp, Austin American-Statesman.
The town hall meeting will be held this Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 at the Splash! Exhibit at Barton Springs, 2201 Barton Springs Road from 5-8pm.
Not about Texas Eurycea, but here’s a great article about salamander research in the NYT:
Salamander Study Enlists New York City Seventh Graders – NYTimes.com.
At the first meeting of the EuryceAlliance back in June 2011 we decided to hold our next meeting this winter (December 2011 or January 2012). We will have a one-day meeting with morning presentations, lunch, afternoon presentations and optional happy hour/dinner. Please follow this link to enter your availability for the winter 2011/2012 EuryceAlliance meeting by Friday November 4, 2011. We’ll choose the date when the greatest number of participants can attend and then put out the call for papers.
Hundreds of plant, animal species up for new protections | The Associated Press
“Decisions on about 60 more species covered under the settlements are expected today, the Fish and Wildlife Service said.”
Click here to read the full story in today’s Austin American-Statesman by Sarah Coppola: Barton Springs Tunnel Project Delayed Again
Recent article from September 20th in The Daily Texan: Barton Springs Pool to be renovated.
I’m not really sure what to make of this article in the Borderzine……? Anyone? Texas Blind Salamanders found in El Paso’s City Hall
Meet Order of the Arrow national chief and Austin Salamander Savior Jonathan Hillis
Congrats to Austin Salamander Savior Jonathan Hillis for his election as 2011 National Chief of the Order of the Arrow, which recognizes Boy Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. Here’s an excerpt from last weeks’ article in the Summit Blog about Jonathan:
“As the son of a biology professor, Hillis has a certain affinity for environmental studies. He chose to develop conservation efforts for the highly endangered Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum). Interestingly, his own father, Dr. David Hillis, discovered the species.
Hillis organized the restoration of habitat, which is only found in the Edwards Aquifer in Texas, his home state. Hillis began the project by removing silt and concrete from the springs, while also organizing the reconstruction of the drainage systems. To top it all off, he replanted native vegetation which helped hold the revitalized environment together.
As a result of his efforts, Hillis received the William T. Hornaday Award for conservation from the Boy Scouts of America, while also getting some local recognition, too.
The mayor of his hometown gave him the honorary title of “Austin Salamander Savior,” and when Hillis received the Vigil Honor, he received the Vigil name “Savior of the Salamanders.””
Click here to read the full article: What Do Salamanders, Texas And The OA Have In Common? | Summit Blog!.
A Barton Springs Salamander from Eliza Spring (Travis County, Texas). Photo by Hayley Gillespie
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