Siren intermedia texana

(Goin, 1957)

Vernacular names
English : Lesser siren
French : Sirène du Texas

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Sirenidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known. They are sometimes not recognized anymore.

Identification
Eel-like salamander with a long and slender body, reaching up to 68 cm in length. Features only a pair of small front legs. Flat head with external gills on each sides. Coloration is usually gray with light dots on head.

Range and habitat
The subspecies occurs in the Rio Grande valley, from south Texas to north Mexico. Species found in eastern USA and north-east Mexico. Lives in shallow and slow moving to stagnant water with abundant vegetation.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly large range and seems to remain at least locally common. May become threatened by water pollution on the long run.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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