AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - With the discovery that Barton Springs salamanders aren’t just found in their namesake waterway, Austin officials are embarking on a DNA analysis of the endangered species.
The Austin American-Statesman (https://atxne.ws/2cy5JsY ) reports the City Council last week agreed to partner with the University of Texas, which will provide the DNA sequencing of samples provided by the city. Officials hope to answer questions including how large the population is and whether they’re traveling through the aquifer to reach other springs.
Researchers have recently found the salamanders in other areas of southern Travis and northern Hays counties.
Tom Devitt of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department expects to test a total of 150 to 200 salamanders from the various locations.
Devitt says their job is now to make sure the species doesn’t go extinct.
___
Information from: Austin American-Statesman, https://www.statesman.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.