Recent Records for Mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus) in Indiana with Notes on Presumed Declines Throughout the Midwest

Abstract

Throughout the Midwest.Mudpuppies (Necturus maculosus) have the broadest distribution of any fully aquatic salamander in North America but population trends are poorly understood. There are no demographic data for Mudpuppies in Indiana despite indications of population declines. Considering the dramatic decline of Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) in Indiana, it is important to understand Mudpuppy population trends to ensure that similar declines are not occurring. Thirteen new county records for Mudpuppies are presented and the first published evidence of breeding in the state in almost a century. Salamander Mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua) records and the geographic inconsistencies between the known distributions of these two intimately-linked species are also discussed. Mudpuppies should be the subject of more extensive monitoring and conservation efforts to better understand their conservation need.