Bolitoglossa decora
Overview
Bolitoglossa decora, the Escondido mushroomtongue salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is a rather large salamander for its genus, with females growing to a snout–vent length of 61–62.1 mm (2.40–2.44 in). It has a bold coloration, with buff-yellow spots on the sides, tail, and underside, contrasting with the amber to burnt umber colored body.
It is endemic to the La Muralla National Park Honduras, where it inhabits montane cloud forest at elevations of 1,430–1,550 m (4,690–5,090 ft). It is classified as being critically endangered by the IUCN due to its extremely small range which is facing ongoing habitat degradation.
Bolitoglossa decora faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited montane range. Deforestation for coffee cultivation and cattle ranching has fragmented the cloud forest ecosystems this salamander depends on for survival. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the moisture and temperature conditions essential for this moisture-dependent amphibian.
Habitat
This salamander inhabits cloud forests and montane humid forests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in Central America. It requires consistently moist microhabitats with abundant leaf litter, fallen logs, and moss-covered surfaces where it can maintain the high humidity levels essential for its survival.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE
Threatened in Honduras
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bolitoglossa decora classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Bolitoglossa decora live?
What are the main threats to Bolitoglossa decora?
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