Alabama waterdog

Alabama waterdog
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Subclass: Lissamphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Proteidae
Genus: Necturus
Species: N. alabamensis
Binomial name
Necturus alabamensis
Viosca, 1937

The Alabama waterdog (Necturus alabamensis) is a medium-sized perennibranch salamander inhabiting rivers and streams of Alabama. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN.[1]

Description

The Alabama waterdog is medium-sized at 15–22 cm (5.9–8.7 in), with four toes and a laterally compressed tail. Its gills are permanent, bushy, and red. Typical adults exhibit a brown or black dorsum with minimal or no spotting, and the ventral side is white and often not spotted.

Distribution and habitat

The Alabama waterdog is found in the Appalachian headwaters of the Black Warrior River drainage basin in Alabama. Its range includes the Sipsey Fork and Brushy Creek in Winston County, the Mulberry Fork, Blackwater Creek, and Lost Creek in Walker County, the North River and Yellow Creek in Tuscaloosa County, and the Locust Fork and Blackburn Fork in Blount County.[1] It is found in unsilted small and medium-sized streams in clay areas. It is more likely to be present when the larvae of the northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) are present and less likely in streams where the Asiatic mussel (Corbicula sp.) is abundant. The areas of dead leaves and detritus sometimes found in backwaters are important for this species.[2]

Diet

N. alabamensis typically consumes invertebrates such as crayfish, amphipods, and insect larvae, as well as vertebrates such as small fish.

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of N. alabamensis is poorly understood. It is believed to be related to N. maculosus and N. beyeri. It is known to hybridize with N. beyeri, though electrophoretical evidence suggests they are separate species.

Status

The survival of N. alabamensis is threatened by habitat fragmentation and pollution and the IUCN has listed it as "Endangered". The quality of the water has deteriorated due to due to industrial, mining, agricultural, and urban pollution, and various impoundments have been made inhibiting its free movement.[1] Even within the best habitats in their range, they are uncommon and their abundance may fluctuate.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Geoffrey Hammerson; Mark Bailey (2004). "Necturus alabamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
  2. 1 2 Bailey, Mark A. "Necturus alabamensis Viosca, 1937: Black Warrior Waterdog". AmphibiaWeb. Retrieved 2014-01-09.

General references

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