Citing threats that could lead to extinction, on September 8, 2010 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to protect the Ozark hellbender as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, an endangered species is any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Ozark hellbender populations have declined with only about 590 individuals remaining in the wild.

In addition, biologists are finding that the average age of Ozark hellbender populations is increasing and few young are being found, which indicates that there are problems with reproduction or juvenile survival.  This, and the multiple threats from disease and habitat loss, could lead to extinction of the Ozark hellbender within 20 years. Because the Ozark Hellbender is found only in Ozark rivers and streams, its survival depends on preserving the health of these waterways.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to list the Ozark hellbender as an endangered species appears in the September 8, 2010, Federal Register.  The proposal is also available on the Service's Midwest Region website at www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered. The Service is accepting comments on the proposal through November 8, 2010.  Send comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.  Comments may also be mailed or hand-delivered to Public Comments Processing, Attn:  RIN 1018- AV94; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. 

Locally, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery has been involved in a project to incubate, hatch and raise hellbenders. In fact, in July of this year, after exactly 1,000 days of care, the Missouri Conservation Department released 100 juvenile hellbenders back into the wild, the first release of hellbenders that were cultured in a state fish hatchery and compliments the Ozark hellbender captive breeding, propagation and release work accomplished at the St. Louis Zoo over the past 15 years. With the cooperation of various agencies, universities, zoos, fish hatcheries, landowners, concerned citizens and volunteers, we may be able to turn the tide for these long lived, unusual amphibians. Keeping a healthy population of hellbenders will indicate that our beautiful, free-flowing Ozark streams are clear, clean and being preserved for future generations of people and hellbenders.