An N.C. salamander could get endangered species protection, but not the hellbender

In somewhat of a split decision, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will review endangered species protection for one type of salamander found in the North Carolina mountains, but not for the elusive hellbender.

The Fish and Wildlife Service looked at petitions for 10 animals across the country to consider eligibility for threatened or endangered species protection. 

Nine were found to be worth reviewing for the status change. They include the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, a dark-skinned amphibian with green spots found only in a small area southeast of Asheville.

Officials agreed that the salamander is threatened by factors like logging, loss of hemlocks, pollution and climate change.

The Eastern Hellbender, the largest salamander in the country, was the only one not advanced for review. They had previously been considered for the threatened or endangered species designation but have not yet met the criteria.

The next step is a year-long review to ultimately determine protection status for the animals still under consideration.