[1] Barton Springs salamanders grow to approximately 6.4 centimetres (2.5 in) in total length and have mottled coloration varying from darkish purple to light yellow on their dorsal side.

[4] The ventral side of the salamander is either a cream or translucent color which allows stomach contents and the presence of eggs to be visible.

[4] They have a fairly small head with reduced eyes and a slender body with elongated limbs that indicate it occupies a semi-subterranean lifestyle.

However, habitat destruction, degradation, and pollution on a local scale have resulted mainly from land and urbanization near the Barton Creek watershed.

[8] Due to the species having a small population and the degradation of its habitat, the Barton Springs salamander is vulnerable to extinction.

To do this, "national ambient water quality criteria"[13] have been set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and measurements have been made since 1969, albeit inconsistently.

They theorized two explanations for this reaction: Much of the Barton Springs salamander's life history remains unknown at this time.

[11][14] The species epithet (sosorum) is an acronym for "Save Our Springs Ordinance" (of the City of Austin) although it is widely if erroneously believed to refer to SOS Alliance, a local preservation group[15] combined with a Latin genitive plural ending.

As a result, the City of Austin applied for and was issued an Incidental Take Permit under Section 10(a)(1)(b) of the Endangered Species Act by the U.S.

[1] As a mitigation measure, the City offered to direct 10% of revenue generated through pool entry fees into a conservation fund that is used for research and habitat enhancement.

Looking forward, the city of Austin has created an advisory team that will continue to review pool maintenance procedures in the salamander's habitat and conduct monthly surveys to assess population size.