Marbled Caecilian
Epicrionops marmoratus
Photo: Photo: (c) Zoe Wood, all rights reserved, uploaded by Zoe Wood
Overview
Epicrionops marmoratus, the marbled caecilian, is a species of caecilian in the family Rhinatrematidae. It is endemic to Ecuador and only known from its type locality, Santo Domingo de los Colorados, and from near Mindo in the Pichincha Province in north-western Ecuador. It is a poorly known species that might be a junior synonym of Epicrionops bicolor.
The Marbled Caecilian faces severe threats primarily from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, deforestation, and urban development in its limited range in Ecuador. As a soil-dwelling amphibian with specific moisture and temperature requirements, it is particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and degradation. Its extremely restricted distribution makes the species highly susceptible to local extinctions from human activities.
Habitat
Epicrionops marmoratus is associated with montane forests at about of above sea level, although the type locality is also cited as being at about . The eggs are presumably laid on land while the larvae are believed to develop in streams. Threats to this species are unknown, but could involve habitat loss caused by livestock rearing, agricultural activities, and water pollution. It is protected...
Other threatened species in Rhinatrematidae
Threatened in Ecuador
Frequently asked questions
Why is Marbled Caecilian classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Marbled Caecilian live?
What are the main threats to Marbled Caecilian?
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