THE LAST DRAGONS
PROTECTING APPALACHIA’S HELLBENDERS
The Last Dragons is an intimate glimpse at North America's Eastern Hellbender, an ancient salamander that lives as much in myth as in reality.... and in many waters, myths are all that remain of these sentinel stream-dwellers.
Directed by Jeremy Monroe & David Herasimtschuk.
10 minutes. English & Spanish Subtitles. Produced by Freshwaters Illustrated in Partnership with the US Forest Service, in cooperation with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Freshwaters Illustrated is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of freshwater biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation. You can access more of our films and supporting educational resources with a Membership that offers exclusive benefits and supports our work. K-12 educators can visit our Water Teachers page to learn about discounted and honorary memberships and dedicated teaching resources.
Produced as part of our 10-year Hidden Rivers project highlighting Southern Appalachian river ecosystems, this film is one of the first looks at hellbender behavior, habitat needs, and conservation efforts. The Last Dragons has been featured in the Banff Mountain Film Festival, Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital, Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Buzzfeed, Lookout Wild Film Festival, and has been presented in community events across the country.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID HERASIMTSCHUK
David has spent ten years carefully documenting the behaviors, habitats, and wonder of these sensitive and imperiled animals. His images are some of the only examples of their kind, and have been featured in National Geographic, Ranger Rick, and Zoos and Aquaria throughout the Southeast, and include a 2018 Winner in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. Photo and video are available for academic use with a Contributing Membership to Freshwaters Illustrated, and for fine art printing and media licensing. Visit our Freshwater Archive image library to view all photos.
MAKE A HELLBENDER!
After you watch The Last Dragons, make your own realistic, life-size papercraft hellbender model that will serve as a reminder of these amazing animals, and serve as a conversation piece in your home, office, or educational space. Designed by biologist and artist, Dr. Matt Sloat. Sign up below to download the PDF paper hellbender model.
