The Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum) is a small (1/2" to 3" long), obligately aquatic, perennibranchiate (retaining juvenile characteristics, such as gills, throughout its life) salamander that is solely located at Barton Springs, Austin, Texas.

Although some of the first specimens of the Barton Springs Salamander were collected in 1946, the species was not formally described until 1993. The salamander was given the taxonomic name, Eurycea sosorum, in honor of the citizens of Austin, who initiated and passed the SOS (Save Our Springs) Ordinance in 1992 to protect the aquifer that discharges at Barton Springs.

The Barton Springs Salamander only occurs in the four springs, collectively known as Barton Springs, in Zilker Park.  This includes Parthenia Spring within the popular swimming hole Barton Springs Pool, and three other springs (Eliza, Sunken Garden, and Upper Barton) that are off limits to the public.

The Barton Springs Salamander is an Endangered Species and protected by the provisions set forth in the Endangered Species Act.

To learn more about this salamander and what the City does to protect it, please follow the links on the left side of this page.