Eastern hellbender
The Eastern Hellbender is a fascinating creature that plays a crucial role in Pennsylvania's aquatic ecosystems. Its unique appearance and behaviors make it an incredible subject to photograph, but beyond its visual appeal, this species serves as an indicator of environmental health.
In these photographs, you'll witness the beauty and grace of the Eastern Hellbender, an ancient amphibian that has inhabited our waters for millions of years. Their presence signifies the cleanliness and vitality of our rivers and streams. As photographers, we have a powerful platform to showcase these remarkable creatures and raise awareness about their importance in our ecosystem.
Sign the Petition
Demand agencies protect the Eastern hellbender as either threatened or endangered.
https://chng.it/8nVRWfmdCh
Why this petition matters
Started by John Zaktansky
The Eastern hellbender, our country's largest salamander species, continues to see large-scale declines in habitat and populations in much of its original range, which includes the mid-Atlantic to the Midwestern states as well as southeastern corner of the country.
Even in areas where it still can be found in pockets, such as the Susquehanna River basin in northcentral Pennsylvania, experts suggest 95 percent of its habitat is gone.
The hellbender requires clean water. It breathes directly through its skin, wrinkles on its sides increase surface area allowing it to be extremely efficient at absorbing oxygen, but also pollutants. This unfortunately means the species can not survive in impaired waterways yet makes it a vitally important clean water indicator species.
It also requires large flat rock structures on the bottom of streams to survive and excessive erosion and sedimentation issues are impacting the species, especially in areas where industrial impacts are increasing.
Despite all this, the US Fish and Wildlife Service decided in 2019 to not give the species any protections under the Endangered Species Act. Several groups fought that and in the fall of 2023, a federal judge overturned their 2019 decision.
https://chng.it/8nVRWfmdCh
"Lasagna Sides"
The extra flaps of skin on the sides of the Hellbender are sometimes referred to as Lasagna Sides due their appearance similar to the side view of Lasagna.
The Eastern Hellbender breathes primarily through a process called cutaneous respiration, which occurs through its skin. This method allows them to absorb oxygen directly from the water through their thin, wrinkled skin, which is rich in blood vessels and capillaries. The skin acts as a respiratory surface, enabling the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide with the surrounding water.
History
The Eastern Hellbender is an ancient creature, tracing its roots back to approximately 160 million years ago. Its lineage dates back to the late Jurassic period, making it one of the oldest lineages of salamanders in North America. These remarkable creatures have remained relatively unchanged over this immense timespan, evolving to adapt to various aquatic habitats across their range.
Their resilience and ability to survive for such an extended period highlight their remarkable evolutionary history. Despite the changes in their environment and the challenges they face today, Hellbenders have persisted through millennia, making them a living testament to the enduring marvels of nature's design and adaptation.
Breathing for the hellbender
Because the Hellbender absorbs its oxygen through its skin and the current that reacts to its thin flappy skin, essentially the waterway does the breathing for the Hellbender.
Their ability to respire through their skin is one of the reasons why the health of their aquatic habitat is crucial. Any pollutants or changes in water quality can significantly impact their ability to breathe and survive. Protecting their freshwater habitats is vital not just for the Hellbenders but for the entire ecosystem they inhabit.
Sign the Petition
Demand agencies protect the Eastern hellbender as either threatened or endangered.
https://chng.it/8nVRWfmdCh