Got Nature? Blog

Posted on December 2nd, 2015 in Aquaculture/Fish, Got Nature for Kids, How To, Wildlife | 1 Comment »

Hellbender and Mudpuppy VideoOne of the main problems facing eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) conservation is that many people mistake this endangered salamander for another common species called a mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). Conservationists and researchers encourage any outdoor enthusiasts to report eastern hellbender sightings by going to helpthehellbender.org​ or by reporting to a conservation officer. Unfortunately, many hellbender sightings are actually mudpuppy sightings. This can cause confusion in conservation efforts, so the need for public education on hellbender identification is strong.

We have created the “Eastern Hellbender ID Video” to teach people:

  • ​How to identify an eastern hellbender
  • How to tell the difference between a hellbender and a mudpuppy
  • What to do if they see an eastern hellbender
Check out the “Eastern Hellbender ID Video” to learn more, and Help the Hellbender’s website, Facebook page, and Twitterto stay current in hellbender conservation.
Resources:
Help the Hellbender – Purdue Extension
Help the Hellbender Day at Columbian Park Zoo a Great Success – Got Nature?
Purdue partners with Indiana zoos for hellbender conservation – Purdue Agriculture News
The Nature of Teaching: Discovering the Watershed – The Education Store, Purdue Extension Resource Center
Williams Lab: Herpetology and Conservation – Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

 

Rebecca Busse, Undergraduate Extension Intern
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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