Pseudoeurycea melanomolga
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
AMPHIBIA |
CAUDATA |
PLETHODONTIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Pseudoeurycea melanomolga |
| Species Authority: |
(Taylor, 1941) |
Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Endangered
B1ab(iii)
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2008 |
| Assessor/s: |
Gabriela Parra-Olea, David Wake, Jean Raffaelli, James Hanken, Mario García-París |
| Reviewer/s: |
Global Amphibian Assessment Coordinating Team (Simon Stuart, Janice Chanson, Neil Cox and Bruce Young) |
| Contributor/s: |
|
Justification:
Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, all individuals are in fewer than five locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in west-central Veracruz, Mexico.
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| History: |
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Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
This species is restricted to the upper slopes of Cofre de Perote and nearby mountains, in the general vicinity of Antonio Limon town, west-central Veracruz, Mexico, at 2,400-4,000m asl. The total range of this species seems likely to be under 5,000km2 but greater than 100km2. |
| Countries: |
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| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range. |
Population
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| Population: |
It is an uncommon species. An individual was observed on two separate occasions in 2003.
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| Population Trend: |
Decreasing
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
The species is terrestrial and inhabits pine forest and bunch grass above the timberline; usually being found under rocks and logs on moist soils. It can tolerate some level of habitat disturbance, provided that this is not too serious. It reproduces by direct development.
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| Systems: |
Terrestrial |
| Major Threat(s): |
The habitat of this species has been heavily disturbed at lower elevations, especially due to logging, agriculture, and human settlement. It might be more secure at higher elevations, where human impacts have been less severe. In 2003, pine forest at both the upper and lower elevations on Cofre de Perote were found to have been extensively cut for pastures for cattle, and as a result of logging.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
It is not known from any protected areas, and there is an urgent need for improved protection of the forest habitat of this species. It is protected by Mexican law under the "Special Protection" category (Pr).
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