Alabama waterdog
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This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (January 2013) |
| Alabama waterdog | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Subclass: | Lissamphibia |
| Order: | Caudata |
| Family: | Proteidae |
| Genus: | Necturus |
| Species: | N. alabamensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Necturus alabamensis Viosca, 1937 |
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The Alabama waterdog, Necturus alabamensis, is a medium-sized perennibranch salamander inhabiting rivers and streams of Alabama. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN.[1]
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Physical description [edit]
N. alabamensis is medium-sized (15–22 centimetres or 5.9–8.7 inches), with four toes and a laterally compressed tail. Its gills are permanent, bushy, and red. Typical adults exhibit a brown or black dorsum with minimal or no spotting, and the ventral side is white and often not spotted.
Distribution [edit]
The Alabama waterdog is found in the Appalachian headwaters of the Black Warrior River drainage basin in Alabama.[1] The species' survival is threatened by habitat fragmentation and pollution.[1]
Diet [edit]
N. alabamensis typically consumes invertebrates such as crayfish, amphipods, and insect larvae, as well as vertebrates such as small fish.
Taxonomy [edit]
The taxonomy of N. alabamensis is poorly understood. It is believed to be related to N. maculosus and N. beyeri. It is known to hybridize with N. beyeri, though electrophoretical evidence suggests they are separate species.
References [edit]
- ^ a b c d Geoffrey Hammerson, Mark Bailey (2004). "Necturus alabamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved May 14, 2013.
General references [edit]
- Petranka, James W. (1998) Salamanders of the United States and Canada, Washington and London: Smithsonian Institution Press.
- AmphibiaWeb
