Ambystoma andersoni

ANDERSON’S SALAMANDER
Ambystoma andersoni – Krebs & Brandon 1984

IDENTIFICATION:

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

HABITAT:
This species occurs within Lago de Zacapú (Zacapú Lake) and its tributary stream the Río 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 Zacapú.

TYPE:
Described as Ambystoma andersoni by Krebs and Brandon (1984). Holotype: AMNH 100096. Type locality: Laguna de Zacapú, 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 Zacapú to be around 200 animals (del Carmen Huacúz Elías, 2001). A. andersoni is afforded Special Protection status by the Mexican Government, but it does not occur in any protected areas.

REFERENCES:
Huacúz Elias, D. de. C. 2001. Estado de Conservación del Genero Ambystoma en Michoacán, Mexico. 53 pgs. ISBN 968-817-391-6
Krebs, S. L. and Brandon, R. A. 1984. A New Species of Salamander (Family Ambystomatidae) from Michoacán, Mexico. Herpetologica 40(3): 238-245.