The Jollyville Plateau salamander (''Eurycea tonkawae'') is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is also known as the Tonkawa Springs salamander. It is endemic to Travis and Williamson counties, Texas, United States. This species is perrenibranchiate, retaining its gills throughout life. ''Eurycea tonkawae'' is the sister taxon to '' E. naufragia'' and '' E. chisholmensis'', two other endemic perrenibranchiate central Texas salamanders. Its natural habitats are freshwater

spring Spring(s) may refer to: Common uses * Spring (season), a season of the year * Spring (device), a mechanical device that stores energy * Spring (hydrology), a natural source of water * Spring (mathematics), a geometric surface in the shape of a ...

s, spring runs, and wet caves of the Buttercup karst system. Cave dwelling ''E. tonkawae'' may represent a distinct species, however further work is needed to clarify their taxonomic status.

Conservation status

''Eurycea tonkawae'' is threatened by habitat loss and habitat degradation due to rapid urban growth. In August, 2013, this species was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Notes

References

* (1993): A new species of perennibranchiate salamander (''Eurycea'', Plethodontidae) from Austin, Texas. ''Herpetologica'' 49: 242–259. * (2000): Phylogenetic relationships of central Texas hemidactyliine plethodontid salamanders, genus ''Eurycea'', and a taxonomic revision of the group. ''Herpetological Monographs'' 14: 1-80. * (2001): A new species of subterranean blind salamander (Plethodontidae: Hemidactyliini: ''Eurycea'': ''Typhlomolge'') from Austin, Texas, and a systematic revision of central Texas paedomorphic salamanders. ''Herpetologica'' 57: 266–280.

External links

* Amphibians of the United States Eurycea Cave salamanders Endemic fauna of Texas Taxonomy articles created by Polbot ESA threatened species Amphibians described in 2000 {{Plethodontidae-stub