DELICATE-SKINNED SALAMANDER
Ambystoma bombypellum – Taylor 1940
IDENTIFICATION:
DISTRIBUTION:
Ambystoma bombypellum is known only from the vicinity of the type locality near San MartÃn 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 MartÃn (Asunción), México.
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.
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