The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a final rule (pdf) listing the Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia) and the Salado salamander (Eureycea chisholmensis) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service also issued a proposed special rule for the Georgetown salamander under section 4(d) of the ESA, which authorizes the take of protected species in certain instances.

The primary threat to the species is habitat degradation due to declining water quality and disturbance of surface spring sites. According to the Service, urban development prevents the infiltration of surface water through soil, which alters the temperature, pH, and alkalinity of the species’ habitat.

The proposed special rule (pdf) would allow for take of the Georgetown salamander incidental to activities that are consistent with conservation measures contained in a City of Georgetown water quality ordinance. The ordinance seeks to reduce certain threats to the species by requiring, among other things, geological assessments to identify springs and streams on any development site, and the establishment of non-disturbance and minimal-disturbance zones.

The Service will accept comments on the proposed special rule until April 25, 2014.