IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma altamirani is known from the mountains to the west and southwest of Mexico City, in the states of Mexico, Morelos and the Distrito Federal. In Morelos it is known from the Lagunas de Zempoala region; In Mexico and the D. F. it is known from the Sierra de [...]]]> MOUNTAIN STREAM SALAMANDER
Ambystoma altamirani – Duges 1895

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma altamirani is known from the mountains to the west and southwest of Mexico City, in the states of Mexico, Morelos and the Distrito Federal. In Morelos it is known from the Lagunas de Zempoala region; In Mexico and the D. F. it is known from the Sierra de Ajusco and El Desierto de los Leones. Elevational distribution from 2,700-3,200m.

HABITAT:
This species breeds in and occurs adjacent to permanent streams flowing through high-elevation pine and pine-oak forests; it also occurs in pastured streams.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Like all Ambystoma, this species has an aquatic larval stage. It is recorded that both adults and larvae remain in streams year-round; what percentage of the adult population exhibits this behavior is unknown.
TAXONOMY:
Ambystoma zempoalaense, described as Rhyacosiredon zempoalensis by Smith and Taylor (1945), was relegated to synonomy within A. altamirani.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma altamirani by Duges (1895). Syntypes: ?. Type locality: “‘Manantiale de los Ajolotes’, dans la ‘Serran­a de las Cruces’ appartenant la Valle de Mexico”, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma altamirani is currently listed as “Endangered” due to a highly fragmented and decreasing population (estimated to be greater than 50%), as well as continued habitat destruction and pollution within it’s small natural range.
REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma amblycephalum is only known to occur in the region around Taca­cuaro, west of the city of Morelia, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Its elevational distribution is centered around 2,000m. Records of this species elsewhere in Michoacan and Jalisco states are apparently based on mis-identifed specimens.

HABITAT: This species occurs in [...]]]> BLUNT-HEADED SALAMANDER
Ambystoma amblycephalum – Taylor 1940

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma amblycephalum is only known to occur in the region around Taca­cuaro, west of the city of Morelia, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. Its elevational distribution is centered around 2,000m. Records of this species elsewhere in Michoacan and Jalisco states are apparently based on mis-identifed specimens.

HABITAT:
This species occurs in pine-oak forests interspersed with grasslands and cleared areas.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Little is known of this salamander’s natural history; it lives a largely terrestrial life and breeds in relatively deep, still waters such as stock ponds, lakes and probably slow-moving streams.
TAXONOMY:
Many localities recorded for this species are erroneously based on mid-identified Ambystoma ordinarium.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma amblycephala by Taylor (1940). Holotype: FMNH 100104 . Type locality: 15 kilometers west of Morelia (Taca­cuaro), Michoacan, Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma amblycephalum is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to a highly fragmented and possibly extirpated population, as well as continued habitat degradation within it’s small natural range. Dolores del Carmen Huacuz Elias (2001) reported the status of the type locality for this species as “…a small waterway which serves the local people as a sewage effluent and refuse container.” Needless to say, no Ambystoma were found here and the species could be considered extirpated from this site. I am not yet aware of any extant populations confirmed of this species. More field work is desperately needed to confirm the presence/absence of this salamander in Mexico. A. amblycephalum is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.
REFERENCES:
Huacuz Elias, D. de. C. 2001. Estado de Conservacion del Genero Ambystoma en Michoacan, Mexico. 53 pgs. ISBN 968-817-391-6
Webb, R.G. 2004. Observations on Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum Complex, Family Ambystomatidae) in Mexico with Description of a New Species. Bulletin of the Maryland Herpetological Society, 40:122-143.

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma andersoni is known only from Lago de Zacapu and its feeder-stream (Rio Angulo), Michoacan, Mexico at an elevation of 2,000m.

HABITAT: This species occurs within Lago de Zacapu (Zacapu Lake) and its tributary stream the Rio Angulo. Salamanders are most frequently observed near the lake’s main springs. NATURAL HISTORY: Ambystoma andersoni [...]]]> ANDERSON’S SALAMANDER
Ambystoma andersoni – Krebs & Brandon 1984

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma andersoni is known only from Lago de Zacapu and its feeder-stream (Rio Angulo), Michoacan, Mexico at an elevation of 2,000m.

HABITAT:
This species occurs within Lago de Zacapu (Zacapu Lake) and its tributary stream the Rio Angulo. Salamanders are most frequently observed near the lake’s main springs.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Ambystoma andersoni is a paedomorphic species, meaning it lives its entire life underwater and retains the morphology of a larvae through sexual maturity. This species is probably active during the day, but moves into shallow waters at night to feed on snails, crayfish and other aquatic invertabrates.
TAXONOMY:
Ambystoma andersoni is a well-differentiated species (genetically) within this complex genus; its morphology is reportedly most similar to that of Ambystoma dumerilii, another strictly neotenic species found a short distance to the south of Zacapu.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma andersoni by Krebs and Brandon (1984). Holotype: AMNH 100096. Type locality: Laguna de Zacapu, 2000 m elevation, Michoacan, Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma andersoni is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to the entire species encompasing a single declining population. Pollution and human consumption of this species has led to its decline. One author estimated the daily take by fishermen at Zacapu to be around 200 animals (del Carmen Huacuz Elias, 2001). A. andersoni is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.
REFERENCES:
Huacuz Elias, D. de. C. 2001. Estado de Conservacion del Genero Ambystoma en Michoacan, Mexico. 53 pgs. ISBN 968-817-391-6
Krebs, S. L. and Brandon, R. A. 1984. A New Species of Salamander (Family Ambystomatidae) from Michoacan, Mexico. Herpetologica 40(3): 238-245.

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma bombypellum is known only from the vicinity of the type locality near San Marti­n in north-western Mexico State. Elevational range centered at 2,500m.

HABITAT: This species’ habitat is largely open grasslands and meadows adjacent to pine-oak woodland. NATURAL HISTORY: This species lives a largely terrestrial life, but returns to stock ponds, small lakes [...]]]> DELICATE-SKINNED SALAMANDER
Ambystoma bombypellum – Taylor 1940

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma bombypellum is known only from the vicinity of the type locality near San Marti­n in north-western Mexico State. Elevational range centered at 2,500m.

HABITAT:
This species’ habitat is largely open grasslands and meadows adjacent to pine-oak woodland.
NATURAL HISTORY:
This species lives a largely terrestrial life, but returns to stock ponds, small lakes and slow-moving streams to reproduce. Presumably this species breeds during the onset of summer rains.
TAXONOMY:
The taxonomic validity of this species has been called into question, but nothing is resolved at this time.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma bombypellum by Taylor (1940). Holotype: FMNH 100127. Type locality: near Rancho Guadalupe, 14 kilometers east of San Marti­n (Asuncion), Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma bombypellum is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to the fact that this species is known from a single, possibly declining population and the continued degradation of the habitat within its small natural range. A. bombypellum is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.
REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma dumerilii is known only from Lago de Patzcuaro (Patzcuaro Lake), at an elevation of 2055′. A record exists for this species from San Juan del Ri­o, Queretero but this surely cannot represent A. dumerilii.

HABITAT: Ambystoma dumerilii was a member of several trophic zones of the lake it inhabits, [...]]]> LAGO DE PATZCUARO SALAMANDER
Ambystoma dumerilii – Duges 1870

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma dumerilii is known only from Lago de Patzcuaro (Patzcuaro Lake), at an elevation of 2055′. A record exists for this species from San Juan del Ri­o, Queretero but this surely cannot represent A. dumerilii.

HABITAT:
Ambystoma dumerilii was a member of several trophic zones of the lake it inhabits, but recently it became rare in the upper levels due to competition and predation by introduced fish.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Ambystoma dumerilii is a paedomorphic species, meaning it lives its entire life underwater and retains the morphology of a larvae through sexual maturity. This species is probably active during the day, but moves into shallower waters at night to feed on snails, crayfish and other aquatic invertabrates.
TAXONOMY:
This is a well-differentiated species of Ambystoma, with an external morphology much like A. andersoni.
TYPE:
Described as Siredon dumerilii by Duges (1870). Syntypes: USNM 16201-202; ANSF 13862. Type locality: Laguna de Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico, elevation 2055 feet.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma dumerilii is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to the entire species encompassing a single declining population. Pollution, competition and predation by introduced fishes and human consumption of this species has led to its decline. This species has been greatly exploited by fishermen for decades; commercial capture volumes were reported by Orbe et al. (1991) as 19 tons in 1987, 12.5 tons in 1988, 1.7 tons in 1989 and 2 tons in 1991. Since 1991 volumes of capture are nearly immeasurable due to the comparitive paucity of animals brought in to the markets for sale. One author suggested that the average recent daily catch is two to three dozen animals (del Carmen Huacuz Eli­as, 2001). A. dumerilii is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas. This species is an excellent example of how the protection status of a species in Mexico means little to the population and is not enforced to any degree.
REFERENCES:
Huacuz Elias, D. de. C. 2001. Estado de Conservacion del Genero Ambystoma en Michoacan, Mexico. 53 pgs. ISBN 968-817-391-6

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma flavipiperatum is definately known only from the State of Jalisco, Mexico. It is found at moderate elevations (2,000-2,300m) in the vicinity of Tapalpa, and possibly Mazamitla; it may occur farther north in the Sierra Jolalpa, Sierra Cacoma and Sierra Verde, Jalisco.

HABITAT: This species is found in meadows and grasslands surrounded [...]]]> YELLOW-PEPPERED SALAMANDER
Ambystoma flavipiperatum – Dixon 1963

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma flavipiperatum is definately known only from the State of Jalisco, Mexico. It is found at moderate elevations (2,000-2,300m) in the vicinity of Tapalpa, and possibly Mazamitla; it may occur farther north in the Sierra Jolalpa, Sierra Cacoma and Sierra Verde, Jalisco.

HABITAT:
This species is found in meadows and grasslands surrounded by pine and pine-oak woodland. IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment lists its habitat as “…desert shrubland and thorn forest.” but I cannot recall any such habitat in the vicinity of Tapalpa, Jalisco.
NATURAL HISTORY:
This is a primarily terrestrial species, spending much of the year within the burrows of rodents but emerging to forage during periods of rain. It breeds in slow-moving streams and both natural and artificial ponds during the summer rainy season. During the onset of the summer rains this species migrates to their breeding pools and can be found abroad at night.
TAXONOMY:
Allozyme data (Shaffer, 1984) appears to confirm the original morphological description of this as a distinct species by Dixon (1963). Mitochondrial DNA sequence data indicates a very close relationship to several Mexican populations of Ambystoma velasci (Shaffer and McKnight 1996). Dixon (1963) mentions the similarities of this species to Ambystoma amblycephalum.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma flavipiperatum by Dixon (1963). Holotype: TCWC 12779. Type locality: “One mile north of Santa Cruz, Jalisco, Mexico, 4,900 ft altitude”.
PERSONAL NOTES:
Although I have not seen this species, I have visited the region around Tapalpa, Jalisco from which it was described. I hope to view this species during breeding migrations in the near future.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma flavipiperatum is currently listed as “Data Deficient” due to our lack of knowledge regarding the distribution of this species, and the fact that no historical sites have been re-surveyed for local declines. This species is probably not declining in general, and is capable of inhabiting human-altered environs. Of all the Plateau Endemic species of Ambystoma, A. flavipiperatum is probably in the least danger of wide-scale decline.
REFERENCES:
Dixon, J.R. 1963. A New Species of Salamander of the Genus Ambystoma from Jalisco, Mexico. Copeia, 1963:99-101.
Shaffer, H.B. 1984. Evolution in a Paedomorphic Lineage. I. An Electrophoretic Analysis of the Mexican Ambystomatid Salamanders. Evolution, 38:1194-1206.

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma granulosum is known only from the vicinity of it’s type locality: just northwest of the city of Toluca, Mexico. The elevational range of this species lies around 3,000m.

HABITAT: The Global Amphibian Assessment refers to this species’ habitat as grassland. NATURAL HISTORY: This is a terrestrial species that breeds in still waters [...]]]> GRANULAR SALAMANDER
Ambystoma granulosum – Taylor 1944

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma granulosum is known only from the vicinity of it’s type locality: just northwest of the city of Toluca, Mexico. The elevational range of this species lies around 3,000m.

HABITAT:
The Global Amphibian Assessment refers to this species’ habitat as grassland.
NATURAL HISTORY:
This is a terrestrial species that breeds in still waters such as stock ponds and marshy meadows. Little is known regarding this salamander’s natural history.
TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to (if not conspecific with) Ambystoma lermaense and Ambystoma rivulare; these three species represent a tight group within the Genus Ambystoma.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma granulosum by Taylor (1944). Holotype: FMNH 100106. Type locality: “km. 74, about 12 miles northwest of Toluca, Mexico, Mexico”.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma granulosum is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to the fact that this species is known from a single, probably declining population and the continued degradation of the habitat within its small natural range. A. granulosum is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.
REFERENCES:

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: Ambystoma leorae is known only from the high mountains in the vicinity of the town of Ri­o Fri­o, on the Mexico/Puebla border. The elevational distribution of this species is approximately 3,000m.

HABITAT: This species inhabits high-elevation, humid pine forests. It is found within or immediately adjacent to streams within forest with [...]]]> LEORA’S STREAM SALAMANDER
Ambystoma leorae – Taylor 1943

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma leorae is known only from the high mountains in the vicinity of the town of Ri­o Fri­o, on the Mexico/Puebla border. The elevational distribution of this species is approximately 3,000m.

HABITAT:
This species inhabits high-elevation, humid pine forests. It is found within or immediately adjacent to streams within forest with an existing canopy.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Little is known regarding the habits of this species, but both adults and larvae are found in small forest streams. Paedomorphic specimens are known but what percentage of the population they represent is unknown.
TAXONOMY:
This is a distinct species of Ambystoma, both morphologically and genetically.
TYPE:
Described as Rhyacosiredon leorae by Taylor (1943). Holotype: FMNH 100041. Type locality: “mountain stream near Ri­o Fri­o, Mexico, either in the state of Puebla or Mexico (Balsas River drainage system)”, Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
In June, 2006 a friend and I looked for this species in Ri­o Fri­o to no avail. Not only could we not find any streams, but the streambeds we found were dry and filled to the brim with trash and human waste. This is one of the most disturbed sites I have seen in my travels throughout Mexico.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma leorae is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to its highly fragmented distribution, local population decline and extinction, and the continued degradation and desiccation of the streams within its small natural range. A. leorae is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government and it occurs within the Parque Nacional Ri­o Fri­o, but this area is severely disturbed (see Personal Notes above) and this species has not been seen at its type locality in over 30 years. As of 1983 it still ocurred at two sites 9 and 15 kilometers northeast of Ri­o Fri­o, but no subsequent surveys have been executed to determine the status of these populations.
REFERENCES:
Reilly, S.M. and Brandon, R.A. 1994. Partial Paedomorphosis in the Mexican Stream Salamanders and the Taxonomic Status of the Genus Rhyacosiredon. Copeia, 1994:656-662.
Shaffer, H.B. 1984. Evolution in a Paedomorphic Lineage. I. An Electrophoretic Analysis of the Mexican Ambystomatid Salamanders. Evolution, 38:1194-1206.

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION:

HABITAT: This species is known from the wetlands surrounding Lago de Lerma and associated with the Ri­o Lerma, south of Ciudad Toluca. It may also inhabit the canal systems within the region, but this is not yet verified. NATURAL HISTORY: Very little in known of the habits of this species. TAXONOMY: This species [...]]]> LAGO DE LERMA SALAMANDER
Ambystoma lermaense – Taylor 1940

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:

HABITAT:
This species is known from the wetlands surrounding Lago de Lerma and associated with the Ri­o Lerma, south of Ciudad Toluca. It may also inhabit the canal systems within the region, but this is not yet verified.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Very little in known of the habits of this species.
TAXONOMY:
This species is closely related to (if not conspecific with) Ambystoma granulosum and Ambystoma rivulare; these three species represent a tight group within the Genus Ambystoma.
TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma lermaensis by Taylor (1940). Holotype: FMNH 100029. Type locality: “Lake Lerma, east of Toluca, Mexico”, Mexico.
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma lermaense is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to the fact that this species is known from only a few, probably declining populations and the continued degradation of the habitat within its small natural range. This species is considered extinct at its type locality, Lago de Lerma; it may persist in some portions of the Ri­o Lerma, the canals associated with the wetland, and in the vicinity of Almolya. A. lermaense is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.
REFERENCES:
Aguilar-Miguel, X., Casas-Andreu, G. and Pineda-Arredondo, E. 2002. Ambystoma lermaense (Lake Lerma salamander). Reproduction and Development. Herpetological Review, 33(3):197.

IDENTIFICATION: DISTRIBUTION: The Mexican Axolotl is known historically from Lagos Xochimilco, Chalco and probably in the connecting lakes Texcoco and Zumpango. Currently this salamander’s range is greatly reduced, and it can only be found in fragmented areas of the southern end of Lago Xochimilco and its associated canal systems; it [...]]]> MEXICAN AXOLOTL
Ambystoma mexicanum – Shaw & Nodder 1798

IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
The Mexican Axolotl is known historically from Lagos Xochimilco, Chalco and probably in the connecting lakes Texcoco and Zumpango. Currently this salamander’s range is greatly reduced, and it can only be found in fragmented areas of the southern end of Lago Xochimilco and its associated canal systems; it may also be found in remnants of the Chalco wetland system.

HABITAT:
Wetlands and canal systems in the Xochimilco and Chalco lakebeds.
NATURAL HISTORY:
Ambystoma mexicanum is a paedomorphic species, meaning it lives its entire life underwater and retains the morphology of a larvae through sexual maturity. This species is probably active during the day, but moves into shallower waters at night to feed on snails, crayfish and other aquatic invertabrates.
TAXONOMY:
This is a distinct species of Ambystoma, both morphologically and genetically.
TYPE:
Described as Gyrinus mexicanus by Shaw and Nodder (1798). Holotype: ?. Type locality: “Mexico”. Restricted to “Xochimilco”, Distrito Federal, Mexico, by Smith and Taylor (1950).
PERSONAL NOTES:
I have no experience with this species, having never been within its range.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
IUCN Red List Status for Ambystoma mexicanum is currently listed as “Critically Endangered” due to highly fragmented and declining populations, habitat degradation and pollution, competition and predation by introduced fishes and human consumption of this species.. This species has been greatly exploited by fishermen for decades, and is still available for sale in local markets. A. mexicanum is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas. This species is an excellent example of how the protection status of a species in Mexico means little to the population and is not enforced to any degree.
REFERENCES: