Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposal To List the Barton Springs Salamander as Endangered

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The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to determine endangered status for the Barton Springs salamander (Eurycea sosorum), known only from Barton Springs in Zilker Park, Austin, Travis County, Texas. The primary threat to this species is contamination of the waters that feed Barton Springs due to the potential for catastrophic events (such as petroleum or chemical spills) and chronic degradation resulting from urban activities. Also of concern are disturbances to the salamander's surface habitat (the waters in Barton Springs, Eliza Pool, and Sunken Garden Springs) and reduced groundwater supplies resulting from increased groundwater withdrawal. This proposal, if made final, would implement Federal protection provided by the Act for the Barton Springs salamander.