# @centerforbiodiv on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDXyGnyJCUW
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/25412208-centerforbiodiv-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/2f3bfb525f.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-09T20:49:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Center for Biological Diversity (@CenterForBioDiv) — https://gondola.cc/CenterForBioDiv

## Caption

Hellbenders may not be pretty to everyone (we think they're perfect), but these outsized amphibians are as interesting as their name implies. 

Hellbenders grow more than 2 feet long, breathe through lasagna-like flaps of skin along their sides, and are among the most charismatic of cold, slimy creatures. ✨ 

Adapted to walk on rocky river bottoms with their grippy toes, these ancient amphibians rely on clean, cold water to thrive. Yet tragically, #hellbenders have recently declined by more than 80% and face ever-increasing threats. 

We have the chance to help them, and in doing so, also protect habitat for thousands of other freshwater species. 

📷: by davidherasimtschuk /  freshwatersillustrated 

#hellbender #salamander #amphibian #wildlifeconservation #environmentalconservation

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 6,966
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 35

## Tags

environmentalconservation, hellbender, amphibian, hellbenders, salamander, wildlifeconservation

---
Copyright (c) Gondola