Bolitoglossa porrasorum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bolitoglossa porrasorum |
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The Bolitoglossa porrasorum is a type of salamander that belongs to the family Plethodontidae. It is found only in the mountains of north-central Honduras. People sometimes call it the Pijol salamander. This name comes from Pico Pijol, the place where it was first discovered. The name porrasorum was chosen to honor Jorge Porras Ziuniga and Jorge Porras Orellana, a father and son who helped the scientists who first described this species.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult male Pijol salamanders are about 41 to 58 millimeters (1.6 to 2.3 inches) long. Adult females are a bit larger, measuring 52 to 62 millimeters (2.0 to 2.4 inches) long. Females are also a bit wider than the males.
These salamanders have a flat snout. Their tail is long but usually shorter than their body. They have thin, medium-length legs. Their toes are distinct and rounded, with special pads underneath. Their toes are also partly webbed.
The color of these salamanders can be very different from one to another. They are usually some shade of brown on their back, often with gold spots or larger dark patches. Their belly can be brownish, brownish with light spots, or mostly light-colored.
Where Does It Live and How Is It Doing?
Bolitoglossa porrasorum lives in cloud forests, which are forests high in the mountains. These forests are often covered in clouds or mist. They live at heights between 980 and 1920 meters (3,215 to 6,300 feet) above sea level.
You can find these salamanders living in bromeliads (plants that grow on trees). They also live on low plants and on the ground under rotting leaves or other plant material. When they have babies, the young salamanders develop directly from eggs. This means they don't have a free-swimming tadpole stage like some other amphibians.
There are many of these salamanders in some areas. However, their numbers might be going down. This is because their homes are being destroyed. People are clearing the forests for farms, including cattle ranches and coffee farms. Logging, which is cutting down trees, also harms their habitat. Luckily, this species is found in the Pico Pijol National Park, which helps protect some of its home.
See also
Read about Bolitoglossa porrasorum in Spanish for kids on Kiddle!
