Seasons of Wildlife

Our station is responsible for conservation efforts for many species, all endemic to Texas.

Featured Species

The San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center conducts research on many aquatic species, including plants, freshwater mussels, crustaceans, insects, salamanders, toads, and fish. We have the largest captive population of Texas blind salamanders in the world. 

A small, translucent and eyeless salamander walks toward camera.

Eurycea rathbuni (= Typhlomolge rathbuni), the Texas blind salamander, is restricted in its distribution to the Edwards aquifer artesian and recharge zone in the vicinity of San Marcos, Hays County, Texas. It is subterranean but individuals may reach the surface via springs.

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
a silvery fish with dark spots resting on rocks among algae

The fountain darters is among the smallest of the darters. Adults generally range from 19 to 30 mm total length. It is known only from the Comal Springs - River system in New Braunfels and the San Marcos Springs - River system in San Marcos, Texas.

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
Picture of a thin brown San Marcos salamander resting in green aquatic vegetation.

The San Marcos salamander is endemic to the San Marcos Springs and nearby surface and subterranean aquatic habitats. This species is known primarily from rocky habitats and submerged aquatic vegetation in and near springs of Spring Lake, parts of Spring Lake Dam, and nearby parts of the upper...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
Barton Springs Salamander

Barton Springs salamanders have slender bodies with elongated limbs, flattened snouts, and three pairs of bright red external gills. They have four toes on their front feet and five on their hind feet; they also have short, finned tails with single orange-yellow stripes. The small amphibians...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species

Our Species