The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced Feb. 21 it would list the Georgetown and Salado salamanders as threatened species.
As a threatened species, the salamanders are likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of [their habitat], according to information from the USFWS office.
The services decision to list these species reflects the best available science and a careful evaluation of the comments we received from the public, said Adam Zerrenner, Austin field office supervisor for USFWS, in a statement. We will continue to work with local communities, landowners and others to ensure a healthy Edwards Aquifer for the communities and the species that depend upon it.
According to a news release, the USFWS has proposed a special rule for the Georgetown salamander that would allow development activities to continue as long as they are in compliance with ordinances adopted by the Georgetown City Council in December.
