Hotel Zaracay Salamander
Bolitoglossa chica
Overview
The Hotel Zaracay salamander is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Bolitoglossa chica faces severe habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development within its extremely limited range in the Colombian Andes. The species is particularly vulnerable to climate change effects, as rising temperatures force suitable habitat zones to higher elevations where less area is available. Deforestation for cattle ranching and crop cultivation has fragmented the remaining cloud forest patches essential for this salamander's survival.
Habitat
This salamander inhabits montane cloud forests and humid tropical forests at elevations between 1,800-2,400 meters in the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia. It requires cool, moist microhabitats with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs, typically found in primary and well-preserved secondary forest environments.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE
Threatened in Colombia
Frequently asked questions
Why is Hotel Zaracay Salamander classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Hotel Zaracay Salamander live?
What are the main threats to Hotel Zaracay Salamander?
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