A Study of the Ozark Hellbender Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi

Abstract
A tag—recapture study of the Ozark Hellbender salamander, Cryptobranchus a. bishopi, was made on the North Fork of the White River, Ozark Co., Missouri. During the summers of 1969 and 1970, animals were tagged along a 2.67—km stretch of stream bed. Population estimates were 428 with 95% C.L. of 341—573 hellbenders/km of stream bed. Biomass estimates were 156 kg/km with 95% C.L. of 124.5—210 kg/km of stream bed. Density estimate in prime habitat was one/8—10 m2 with 95% C.L. of one/6—7 m2—one/13—16 m2. Recaptures indicated little movement. Ozark Hellbenders are one of the dominant organisms in this stream system.