Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) An East Tennessee icon could be getting a bit more help growing its population: the Eastern Hellbender Salamander.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed increased protections for the salamanders under the Endangered Species Act.

Tennessee is among 15 states in which, under the proposal, the giant salamander species would receive protections.

Since the salamander is a key player in fresh water environments, those protections would prohibit people from harming the species or removing it from its habitat.

“The eastern hellbender is a unique salamander that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy freshwater ecosystems,” said Service Midwest Regional Director Will Meeks. “As key indicators of stream and river health, hellbenders need protection that also will help support healthier ecosystems across their range.”

The Endangered Species Act has saved around 99% of protected wildlife since its creation.