Cryptotriton monzoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cryptotriton monzoni |
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Cryptotriton monzoni is a special kind of salamander. It belongs to the family Plethodontidae. This amazing creature lives only in Guatemala. It has only been found in one small area. This area is near Cerro del Mono, close to La Unión in the Zacapa Department. The salamander's name, monzoni, honors José Monzón. He is a Guatemalan insect expert who helped find this salamander. People also call it Monzon's hidden salamander.
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What Does Monzon's Hidden Salamander Look Like?
The first Cryptotriton monzoni ever studied was an adult female. It was about 22 mm (0.87 in) long from its snout (nose) to its vent (tail base). Its tail was about 23 mm (0.91 in) long. That's about the length of a small paperclip!
This salamander has a rounded snout. Its eyes stick out a bit. Its head is only a little wider than its neck. It has small glands called parotoid glands. These glands are not very noticeable. Its legs are quite long. Both its fingers and toes have some webbing. They also have special pads underneath. The salamander's back is brown. It has small bluish spots. Its eyes are a shiny copper color.
Where Does This Salamander Live?
The only place Cryptotriton monzoni has been found is a cloud forest. This forest is located about 1,570 m (5,150 ft) above sea level. That's really high up! The first salamander found was inside a bromeliad. A bromeliad is a plant that grows on trees. This one was about three meters (ten feet) above the ground.
Why Is This Salamander in Danger?
Cryptotriton monzoni seems to be a very rare species. It is listed as Critically Endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
Its home is shrinking. This is because of habitat loss. People are cutting down trees for logging. They are also clearing land for farms. This is called agricultural encroachment.
A serious frog and salamander disease might also be a threat. It is called Chytridiomycosis. This disease is caused by a fungus. Another type of salamander in the same area was found to have this disease. Scientists are worried it could affect Cryptotriton monzoni too.
See also
In Spanish: Cryptotriton monzoni para niños
