Crater salamander
| Bolitoglossa marmorea | |
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| Species: | B. marmorea
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| Binomial name | |
| Bolitoglossa marmorea | |
The Crater Salamander or Marbled crater salamander (Bolitoglossa marmorea) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to Costa Rica and Panama. Its natural habitat is subtropical, high-altitude moist montane forests. It has a small area of distribution (less than 5000 km2 and fewer than five locations) and is threatened by habitat loss therein.
Appearance
The Crater salamander is a moderately sized salamander. Adults of the species typically range from 128-134 millimeters. It is colored purplish-brown with small yellow spots and flecking across its body. The tail of this salamander composes approximately 48–56% of its total length.[1]
Habitat and ecology
The crater salamander is found in humid montane forest and is nocturnal, meaning it sleeps under rocks during the day and is found on mossy trunks and tree limbs at night.
It inhabits the lower montane and montane slopes of southern Cordillera de Talamanca of eastern Costa Rica and western Panama.
Conservation
Although endangered, the species does occur in two protected areas, Parque Nacional Volcán Barú in Panama and La Amistad International Park in Panama and Costa Rica. Although known to be common, it is decreasing and the current population status is unknown due to lack of survey work.
References
- Solís, F., Ibáñez, R., Savage, J., Wake, D. & Chaves, G. 2004. Bolitoglossa marmorea. 2012 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 11 October 2012.
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