MOUNTAIN STREAM SALAMANDER
Ambystoma altamirani РDug̬s 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 Dugès (1895). Syntypes: ?. Type locality: “‘Manantiale de los Ajolotes’, dans la ‘SerranÃa de las Cruces’ appartenant la Vallée de México”, 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: