Managing the Hill Country to provide the variety of natural habitats on which each of these species depends is quite challenging.
Habitat loss is often the primary factor threatening a species' existence.
In the Hill Country we have a situation where loss of a particular habitat type will detrimentally affect one species, while other endangered species may benefit. Mature Ashe juniper is a major factor resulting in decreased water supply to the Edwards Aquifer. Two other endangered species depend on an adequate supply of water. The San Marcos salamander is threatened by reduced spring flow, and the Texas blind salamander depends on a constant supply of clean water from the Edwards Aquifer. Research indicates that removal of Ashe juniper results in a tremendous increase in groundwater.