Spatial Data for Eurycea Salamander Habitats Associated With Three Aquifers in South-Central Texas

Eurycea salamander taxa comprise 12 known species that inhabit springs and
caves in south-central Texas. Many of these are threatened or endangered
species, and some are found only at one location. A number of the neotenic
salamanders might be at risk from habitat loss associated with declines in
ground-water levels. Eurycea salamander habitats are associated with three
aquifers in south-central Texas: (1) the Edwards-Trinity (Plateau) aquifer, (2)
the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) aquifer, and (3) the Trinity aquifer. The
Edwards (Balcones fault zone) aquifer is commonly separated into three
segments: from southwest to northeast, the San Antonio segment, the Barton
Springs segment, and the northern segment. The Trinity aquifer south of the
Colorado River can be divided into three permeable zones, the upper, middle,
and lower zone. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, developed this report (geodatabase) to aggregate the
spatial data necessary to assess the potential effects of ground-water declines
on known Eurycea habitat locations in south-central Texas. The geodatabase
provides information about spring habitats, spring flow, cave habitats,
aquifers, and projected water levels.

[Summary provided by the USGS.]