Conservation of the Hellbender

The species Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, or the Hellbender, has always been a fascinating creature to me. I had the honor of reading an article about these big guys titled “Conservation Status of Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in Alabama, USA” (http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_6/Issue_2/Graham_etal_2011.pdf) . This article, written by Graham S.P. et. al and found in the Herpetological Conservation and Biology Magazine may not sound very relevant, however, it revealed the population trends of the species that is occurring across the Eastern US as can be compared to Alabama and its river system (the Tennessee River). As we all know, Hellbenders are found in cold streams across Eastern North America and they used to be found in large numbers, yet the populations have been declining rapidly. This study was performed across Northern Alabama where the Tennessee River runs and previous populations have been found. The common goal was to determine population numbers of the Hellbender by comparing the current data to past research of that area. Unfortunately, past research consisted mainly of museum records and included no population amounts or distributions, yet gave some insight into where the Hellbenders could be found. All of this in turn would give insight into what type of conservation efforts are necessary for many areas of NE America.  Their methods included contacting local biologists, performing timed visual encounter surveys of historical and newly-designated sites (between 2006-2010 with two people surveying shallow stream area), and setting funnel traps.

In total, 355 hours of visual surveying was done at  forty-five different sites and funnel traps were set for thirty-one nights. Although photos were submitted by local scientists, throughout all of this work not a single Hellbender was found alive.

Overall, it is hard to compare the new survey to past historical data, yet all historical data shows that they were much more abundant than they are currently. Due to the unique life histories that Hellbenders have- living for 30+ years, typically staying in one location, and external fertilization- this exposes them to environmental dangers. Examples of environmental dangers can include decreased water quality or damming of rivers and streams. All of this information reveals that these species are highly threatened in Northern Alabama and many other areas of the NE US. The study suggests focusing conservation efforts on the habitat in particular so that many species may be saved or by focusing on areas where populations are able to be recovered. The N. Alabama area found no evidence of current Hellbender populations and therefore the researchers felt it would be more beneficial to focus conservation methods on areas where Hellbenders, along with other species, are sure to benefit from the work. It is clear that some sort of conservation methods need to be placed upon these creatures to help re-establish old populations and continue to allow current populations to flourish.