Giant salamanders need federal protection before it's too late

In the United States, the eastern hellbender, a giant salamander species, is facing dramatic population declines largely attributed to various environmental pressures. In recent decades, threats to their habitat have escalated due to factors such as dam construction, industrial activity, and flood events exacerbated by climate change. As a result, only about 12% of these salamanders successfully reproduce at present. Historically, the Blue Ridge Mountains were home to one of the healthiest populations of eastern hellbenders, but this fall, they were significantly impacted by Hurricane Helene's devastating effects on their aquatic environment. Many hellbenders were discovered in unusual locations, such as flooded church basements, and were subsequently returned to their natural habitat. However, pollution continues to plague certain rivers, prompting health advisories against human contact. This troubling situation has moved conservationists to take action; it has been noted as a moral failure to allow such species to edge closer to extinction. Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed her emotional response to the proposed federal protection of the species, highlighting the urgency of their plight. Meanwhile, Erin McCombs, the Southeast conservation director for American Rivers, emphasizes the need for serious action as the decline of the hellbender species signifies broader ecological issues stemming from the degradation of clean, flowing waterways. In the last five years, efforts have been made to improve conditions for the hellbenders. For instance, the removal of two dams along the Watauga River has been a significant stride towards enhancing water quality and reconnecting hellbender communities. Now, with the proposed federal protection, there is hope that comprehensive recovery strategies will be implemented, which are necessary to support the survival of this unique amphibian. Conservationists are calling for these measures, stating that immediate action is critical to avoid further decline and potential extinction of the hellbender species.