Listed as Critically Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 56 km², it is considered to occur in one threat-defined location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its aquatic habitat in Barton Springs, Texas, USA.

This species is known only from the outflows of Barton Springs in the city of Austin, in Travis County, Texas, USA (Hillis et al. 2001, Green et al. 2014). It is known from all four of Barton's Springs, which includes Parthenia, Eliza, Zenobia, and Upper Barton Spring. These springs are all located within 350 meters of each other. This species is sympatric with Eurycea sosorum (Dries 2012). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 56 km².

This species is seen infrequently and in very small numbers in surface springs (Dries 2012). Monthly censuses at Barton Springs from July 1998 to December 2000 yielded 1,518 observations of Barton Springs Salamander E. sosorum and only 17 of Austin Blind Salamander (Hillis et al. 2001). This species has been seen more frequently and in higher numbers in Eliza and Parthenia Spring since 2003, and it continues to be regularly observed in Old Mill Spring. The population is thought to have experienced declines during 2008-2009, as in the fourteen months following the observed abundances had not yet returned to pre-drought levels. However, the population trend and true abundance of this species is unknown, as it is primarily a subterranean species (Dries 2012).

Individuals have been observed at spring outlets, however this species is probably mostly restricted to subterranean cavities of the Edwards Aquifer (Hillis et al. 2001). The surface observations are possibly the result of individuals being accidentally washed out from spring outflows (Green et al. 2014). Suitable habitat appears to be areas of flowing groundwater associated with subterranean habitats (Dries 2012). This species is completely aquatic and does not metamorphose. Breeding habits are unknown, but it is presumably a larval developer like other species in the genus.

Similar to E. sosorum, this species is vulnerable to extinction due to its very limited distribution within a sensitive habitat. The primary threat is habitat loss and degradation as a result of urban and suburban development, particularly in the form of siltation of the aquifer and springs and contamination of the waters that feed Barton Spring (Hillis et al. 2001, USFWS 2019). Sources of pollution in the area include impervious cover and storm water run-off, waste water discharge, construction activities, transportation infrastructure, and hazardous materials spills (USFWS 2019). The Barton springs Aquifer has been designated by the Texas Water Commission as one of the aquifers most vulnerable to pollution in Texas (Chippindale et al. 1993).

Excessive groundwater withdrawal is also a threat, and is being exacerbated by the rapid rate of development across the species' range. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of single and multi-family homes in Travis County has increased by 53% over the past 17 years, and Hays County has been listed as the second fastest-growing county in the nation with a population increase of 46.3% since 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau 2019, 2020, USFWS 2019). This growth is accompanied by substantial associated growth in commercial, industrial, and residential development. Projections indicate that the population of Travis County will continue to increase over the next three decades (USFWS 2019).

Climate change also poses a threat to this species, as this species has been scored as moderately vulnerable to the predicted impacts of climate change (Stamm et al. 2015). Drought, exacerbated by climate change, threatens to alter the spring's natural flow regime. With regard to disease, the emergence of the salamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, “Bsal”) as an amphibian pathogen has caused dramatic declines in European fire salamanders since its apparent arrival in 2008 through the international pet trade (Feldmeier et al. 2016). Carter et al. (2020) found that Eurycea wilderae and E. lonicauda were susceptible to Bsal, and in lab tests altered their behavior upon infection and developed clinical chytridiomycosis. A separate study found that E. sosorum was a suitable host for Bsal, but upon infection did not alter behavior or experience mortality (M. Gray unpub. data 2021). The response of this species is not known, but the genus does appear to be susceptible to infection. Although the presence of the fungus has not been confirmed in the Americas, it is spreading in Europe and risks spreading further. Should Bsal be introduced to the US, the impacts on salamander populations could be rapid and severe if immediate mitigation action is not taken.

There are no records of this species being utilized.

Conservation Actions In-Place
Spring outlets are appropriately managed, but the aquifer recharge zone is not (Hillis et al. 2001). It occurs within Critical Habitat designated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife. This species is currently listed as Endangered by the federal government under the Endangered Species Act. 

In an effort to prevent the introduction of Bsal into the US, an Interim Rule of the Lacey Act has been enacted that bans the importation of 201 species of salamanders (USFWS 2016). Additionally, a temporary voluntary trade moratorium of imports of Asian salamander species that are known to carry the disease until such time as effective testing and treatment regimens can be developed and distributed has been recommended to all exporters, shippers, sellers and buyers by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). A North America Bsal Task Force has also been created, with working groups designed to address a variety of disease prevention and mitigation goals (North America Bsal Task Force 2021).

Conservation Needed
This species would benefit from improved protection and management of the aquifer and its recharge zone.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats.