Baja Verapaz salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baja Verapaz salamander |
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The Baja Verapaz salamander (Cryptotriton veraepacis) is a special type of salamander that belongs to the Plethodontidae family. It's a small, shy creature that lives only in one country: Guatemala. This means it is endemic to Guatemala, which makes it very unique!
About the Baja Verapaz Salamander
Salamanders are amazing amphibians, like frogs, but they usually have tails. The Baja Verapaz salamander was first described by scientists Lynch and Wake in 1978. It's known for living in very specific places, which we'll learn about next.
Where it Lives
This salamander's natural habitat is in montane forests. These are forests found on mountains, where it's often cool and moist. The Baja Verapaz salamander needs these damp, green places to survive. It finds shelter and food among the plants and damp soil of these mountain forests.
Why it's in Danger
Sadly, the Baja Verapaz salamander is in trouble. It is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN, which is a group that tracks endangered species. The biggest threat to this little salamander is habitat loss. This happens when the forests where it lives are cut down or changed by human activities. When its home disappears, the salamander has nowhere to live, find food, or raise its young. Protecting these special mountain forests is super important to help the Baja Verapaz salamander survive.
Images for kids
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A robot, not a salamander!
