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Cartago worm salamander facts for kids

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Cartago worm salamander
Conservation status
Scientific classification

Oedipina altura, also known as the Cartago worm salamander, is a special kind of salamander. It belongs to a family called Plethodontidae. This salamander is quite unique because it is found only in one specific area: the Cordillera de Talamanca mountains in Costa Rica.

About the Cartago Worm Salamander

This small salamander is often called a "worm salamander" because of its long, slender body. Unlike many animals, it doesn't have lungs to breathe. Instead, it breathes through its skin and the lining of its mouth. This makes its skin very important for survival!

Where the Cartago Worm Salamander Lives

The Cartago worm salamander lives in tropical moist montane forests. Imagine a forest high up in the mountains, where it's often wet and misty. These forests are its natural habitat. It likes places with lots of moisture and cool temperatures. It often hides under logs, rocks, or in the damp soil.

Why This Salamander Needs Help

Sadly, the Cartago worm salamander is facing problems. Its biggest threat is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are disappearing. When forests are cut down or changed, these salamanders lose their homes and the damp conditions they need to survive. Protecting these special mountain forests is very important to help the Cartago worm salamander.

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Cartago worm salamander Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.