About This Project

Hellbenders or "snot otters" are giant salamanders living in streams of the eastern US. These are not only wonderfully unique animals but are also sentinels of river health. They have undergone dramatic declines with some populations showing signs of disease. I will be evaluating skin secretions from different populations to determine causes of wounds and deformities seen in this declining species. I will be in the field as well as the lab looking for answers in the snot.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Hellbenders are charismatic salamanders that once thrived in streams throughout the eastern United States. Unfortunately, biologists have noticed dramatic population declines. Habitat degradation is likely a major factor but other observations tell us there is more to the story. The Ozark Hellbender is a subspecies only found in the Ozark region of the US. This population has undergone a much more dramatic decline when compared to its eastern cousins and most adults have swollen and missing toes. The main cause of these deformities is still unknown. My research aims to understand differences between subspecies and what could be causing these lesions. I will be focusing my attention on their snot, or more appropriately termed, skin secretions.

What is the significance of this project?

Hellbenders represent a unique part of our mountain ecosystems and serve as a sentinel for watershed health. We should be concerned that such a widespread and charismatic species is disappearing beneath us. We know there is massive runoff from improper management of siltation and a lack of buffer zones. Water that used to be crystal clear now looks more like chocolate milk. We know this cannot be good for animal health, but is that the only piece of the story? This project aims to look at why certain animals appear to be sick. If we find answers in how these animals are dealing with infection, we will have a better answer in how to conserve them in these critical next few decades.

What are the goals of the project?

There may be answers lurking in the snot of the snot otter as has been seen in other amphibians. Secretions and skin health are very important for amphibian immunity and homeostasis. Do hellbender secretions have any properties against growth of well-known amphibian pathogens and is there a difference in Ozark secretions? How do the protein signatures change between subspecies secretions? Can I relate these secretions to other data I have collected from their skin? I have already collected one year of field samples. In the next year I will evaluate secretions between populations. I will look at small peptides, antibodies, and how they affect growth of certain disease causing organisms we worry about. I want to know how healthy their skin is and how it's holding up to daily stressors.