Dendrotriton bromeliacius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dendrotriton bromeliacius |
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The Dendrotriton bromeliacius is a tiny type of salamander. It belongs to a group of salamanders called Plethodontidae, which are known for not having lungs. This means they breathe through their skin! You can find this special salamander only in Guatemala.
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About This Salamander
The Dendrotriton bromeliacius is very closely related to another salamander called D. rabbi. Scientists call them "sister species" because they share a common ancestor. It's like they are cousins in the animal world. These two species likely started to become different from each other about 100,000 years ago. This happened in a mountain range called the Sierra Madre de Chiapas.
Where It Lives Now
Even though it might have started in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, the Dendrotriton bromeliacius is not found there anymore. Today, you can only find this salamander living on the sides of a volcano named Volcán Tajumulco. This volcano is also in Guatemala.
High Up in the Mountains
These salamanders like to live high up. They are found at elevations between 1,900 meters (about 6,200 feet) and 2,700 meters (about 8,850 feet) above sea level. This shows that they moved from their original home to these higher places.
Its Natural Home
The Dendrotriton bromeliacius's natural home is a special kind of forest. It's called a subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. Imagine a forest that is warm, wet, and found on the slopes of mountains. These forests are full of plants and moisture, which is perfect for salamanders that breathe through their skin.
Why It's in Danger
Sadly, the Dendrotriton bromeliacius is in danger. Its biggest threat is habitat loss. This means that the forests where it lives are being destroyed or changed. When their homes disappear, these unique salamanders have nowhere to go. Protecting these special mountain forests is very important to help the Dendrotriton bromeliacius survive.
