A subspecies of hellbender restricted to a tiny range. Critically endangered — populations crashed 75%+ over 30 years. Captive breeding at the Saint Louis Zoo is the only thing preventing extinction.

Also called: Ozark Hellbender, Snot Otter (folk)

Native status: Native; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 30–55 cm
Weight400 g – 2 kg
LifespanWild 25–30 years
OrderCaudata
FamilyCryptobranchidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Ozark hellbender is a subspecies of the hellbender. The subspecies is strictly native to the mountain streams of the Ozark Plateau in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. Its nicknames include lasagna lizard and snot otter. This large salamander grows to a total length of 29–57 cm (11–22 in) over a lifespan of 30 years. The Ozark hellbender is a nocturnal predator that hides under large flat rocks and primarily consumes crayfish and small fish. As of 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has listed the subspecies as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The population decline of the subspecies is caused by habitat destruction and modification, overutilization, disease and predation, and low reproductive rates. Conservation programs have been put in place to help protect the subspecies.

Source: Wikipedia — Ozark hellbender Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive flattened aquatic salamander; folds of loose skin along sides; gray to brown; lays no eggs out of water.

Similar species. Eastern Hellbender (broader range). Mudpuppy (smaller; retains gills).

Voice. Silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Crayfish (primary), small fish.

Behavior. Federally endangered subspecies of hellbender. Restricted to White River and Eleven Point River drainages of Missouri and Arkansas. Population crashed 75%+ over recent decades; captive breeding at the Saint Louis Zoo is critical to recovery.

§ Range

Endemic to White River drainage in MO and AR

§ Habitat

Large clear cold streams with rocky bottoms

§ Threats

Stream sedimentation, water-quality decline, chytrid fungus, illegal collection, mining pollution.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the ozark hellbender is currently classified as Critically Endangered.

§ What helps

Support Ozark stream restoration. Donate to Saint Louis Zoo Hellbender Recovery. Don't handle wild hellbenders.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Ozark Hellbender Recovery
  • Saint Louis Zoo
  • IUCN Red List 2014