Nashville Zoo has released 24 eastern hellbender salamanders in Middle Tennessee as part of its headstart program. The zoo’s ectotherm team worked with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Tennessee State University to collect eggs and rear the salamanders, which were released into the wild for the third time in the summer of 2021. Changes to the process to improve survivability have included giving the hellbenders crayfish earlier and moving the release date to May when the animals have more time to adjust to their natural environment. Hellbenders are considered threatened or endangered in most US states due to pollution, channeling, damming, and disease, and the Headstart program aims to sustain wild populations by raising at-risk creatures in human care. Nashville Zoo hopes to boost genetically distinct populations using an established headstart program.
Releasing Hellbender Salamanders Back into the Wild
Hellbender salamanders are a species of giant salamander that can grow up to 74 cm long. They are found only in the eastern United States, where they reside in fast-flowing, clear streams with rocky bottoms. Unfortunately, the population of Hellbender salamanders has been declining due to habitat loss, pollution, and disease.
To help preserve the species, many conservationists are working to reintroduce Hellbender salamanders into their natural habitats. This process involves breeding and raising Hellbender salamanders in captivity before releasing them back into the wild.
Breeding Hellbender Salamanders in Captivity
Hellbender salamanders are difficult to breed in captivity because they require specific reproduction conditions. Once a successful breeding event, the eggs are collected and sent to a hatchery to be raised in a protected environment. Experts create an environment miming a natural ecosystem, including cool and clear water, rocky streambeds, and appropriate food sources.
Raising Hellbender Salamanders in Captivity
Hellbender salamanders need specific care and attention to ensure their survival. Young Hellbenders need ample space to swim and grow and a constantly clean and oxygenated water supply. They are fed a diet of small fish and insects to give them the nutrients they require for healthy growth.
Releasing Hellbender Salamanders into the Wild
After being raised in captivity, the salamanders are ready to be reintroduced back into the wild. Experts carefully choose suitable streams for release based on the quality of the water, the presence of food sources, and the absence of predators.
Once the release site has been selected, Hellbenders are transported to the stream and placed in a suitable location. Before releasing back into the wild, biologists will quickly check to ensure the salamander is healthy. They will then release the salamander back into the stream, where it will swim upstream and find its natural habitat.
Conclusion
As a vital and fascinating part of the ecosystem, the Hellbender salamander holds a unique place in conservation biology. While their numbers have been declining in recent years, programs to breed, raise, and reintroduce the giant salamanders into their natural habitat are helping to minimize the effects of habitat loss, pollution, and disease. Hopefully, these programs will help stabilize Hellbender populations, encourage reproduction, and pave the way for their continued presence in the eastern United States.
