Hellbender Salamander Gets Endangered Species Designation, but No Habitat Protection—and That May Be a Good Thing

The Ozark hellbenders are at risk of extinction yet critical habitat was not set aside for this species. The population has shown a significant decline and the reasons for such decline are many. The most important factor putting in danger the bellbenders is the illegal pet trade. The population has also been altered due to loss of habitat, poor water quality, mining, and sedimentation. Logically, these are enough reasons as to why the hellbender species would become extinct so why is there no habitat protection for the population? The FWS, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, declared that putting the hellbenders aside would only attract pet traders therefore making the situation worse. Although many do not agree with this decision, it does seem reasonable and will hopefully benefit the species.