Alabama Waterdog

Alabama Waterdog

Description: Scientifically referred to as the Necturus Alabamensis, is a type of salamander that, as you can guess, lives in the rivers and streams of Alabama. This salamander grows to around 6 to 8 inches and it has four toes on the front and hind feet. These animals also have bush-like red gills. Typical adult Alabama Waterdog’s are brown or black with no spotting, but have a white underside. This animal actually does not have any population estimates due to the species rarity and its sporadic occurrences.

Habitat and Range: This animal is nocturnal and often hides under rocks and other debris which is why, over many years, this animal has evolved to have a very flat body. These animals are mostly abundant during the winter months and are extremely rare to find during the summer months. This species only resides in the Black River Warrior Basin of Alabama where it inhabits large streams with large logs, submerges ledges, and other hiding places on the stream floor. Leaf beds are important for these animals, especially during breeding season as they require cover for their nesting sites.

Role in the Ecosystem: The Alabama Waterdog’s diet includes earthworms, crayfish, aquatic invertebrates, snails and small fish. This animal is responsible for the regulation of snails and crayfish in the Alabama area.

Cause of Decline: Water quality in this area has decreased due to industrial, mining, agricultural, and urban pollution are the primary reasons for the decline of these species. The remaining Waterdog population is separated from each other due to inhabitable conditions within the streams. With the pollution in the water, it creates inhabitable areas for these animals to live and thrive in. Their eggs are not able to develop for a long enough time in order to mature until they “hatch”.

Importance: These animals are important in the regulation of over population of snails and crayfish in the Alabama. This animal also is prey among some larger fish in the area where sometimes food for larger fish can be scarce in this area. The pollution and hard living conditions make it hard for many organisms to live in this area.

Current Conservation Efforts: Unfortunately at this time, the state of Alabama provides no protection for the Alabama Waterdog. The Federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and the Clean Water Act of 1972 have been ineffective in preventing the continued decline of species in the Black Warrior basin. The State of Alabama should prioritize and fund a conservation program for this species, and fix the issue of water pollution throughout the Alabama area. Making this species a symbol of local pride in a clean and healthy environment could promote public support and drive conservation action across the state.

 

How Can You Help: The mining and pollution around this area needs to be regulated much more closely if there is going to be any chance of survival for this species. By reducing the amount of liter and trash we are consistently putting around the lakes and streams, we can help save many more species like the Alabama Waterdog.