Identification
A subspecies of the Eastern Hellbender,
the Ozark Hellbender is a very large salamander with a flat head, fleshy folds
along each side, and very small eyes. They vary in color from gray to brown,
rust, or almost black, and have conspicuous blotchy black spots on their back.
The belly is generally slightly paler than the rest of the body. The best way
to identify this subspecies is by its location.
Distribution and Status
The Ozark Hellbender has a small natural range, living only in the Black River
system and North Fork of the White River in southeast Missouri through adjacent
Arkansas. Within the Midwest, the Ozark Salamander is found only in Missouri
where it is considered imperiled.
Ecology
Hellbenders occupy large, fairly clear streams having gravel beds, with rocks
and logs. Entirely aquatic, this salamander species spends much of its time
hiding under rocks and logs.
Threats and Management Issues
Hellbender population declines are due to a number of human interferences. Aquatic pollution and a build up of silt in streams and rivers from agricultural practices and construction are chief among them. Damming, which eliminates critical riffle areas and lowers the dissolved oxygen content, has also contributed to documented declines. In addition, many Hellbenders are killed by people fishing and accidentally catching the animal, as they are frequently misconceived as being venomous.
Resources
General reference guides
and websites.
Reference guides and websites specific to Amphibians.
Links to more information on the Ozark Hellbender outside the Herp Center
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499