Finca Chiblac salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Finca Chiblac salamander |
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The Bradytriton silus, also known as the Finca Chiblac salamander, is a special type of salamander. It belongs to a group called Plethodontidae. This salamander is the only species in its genus, Bradytriton. Scientists believe it is closely related to another salamander group called Oedipina. You can find the Finca Chiblac salamander in north-western Guatemala and in Chiapas, which is in south-eastern Mexico.
What Does the Finca Chiblac Salamander Look Like?
Adult male Finca Chiblac salamanders are about 39–53 mm (1.5–2.1 in) long from their snout (nose) to their vent (a small opening near the tail). Adult females are a bit longer, measuring about 49–53 mm (1.9–2.1 in).
These salamanders have a strong, sturdy body. Their head is quite wide and blends smoothly into their body. Their tail is short and flattened from side to side, making it look thick when you see it from the side.
Their legs are short and thin, and their toes are tiny. Most of their toes are joined together, except for the very tips. The top part of their body is reddish-brown. Their head is mostly black, and they have black spots on the front part of their body. Their cheeks, the sides of their tail, and the lower parts of their body are black with many small white spots.
Where Does the Finca Chiblac Salamander Live and How Is It Protected?
In north-western Guatemala, the Bradytriton silus lives in wet forests. These forests can be untouched or slightly changed by humans. They are found at an elevation of about 1,310 m (4,300 ft) above sea level.
Scientists have found these salamanders hiding under pieces of wood and logs. It's thought that these salamanders do not have a free-swimming larval stage, meaning their young develop directly without needing water.
The area where this salamander was first discovered has lost a lot of its natural habitat. This is mainly due to people settling there and farming expanding. Because of this, the salamander has not been seen in that original spot since 1976, even after many searches. However, in 2015, a new group of these salamanders was found in Chiapas, Mexico, which gives hope for their survival.
See also
In Spanish: Bradytriton silus para niños
