Firschein's false brook salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Firschein's false brook salamander |
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Pseudoeurycea firscheini is a special kind of salamander. It belongs to a group called Plethodontidae. This salamander lives only in a specific part of Mexico. You can find it in the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountains. This area is in west-central Veracruz, Mexico. It's also known as the Firschein's salamander. The name firscheini honors a scientist named Irwin Lester Firschein. He was an American biologist who explored Mexico.
What Does the Firschein's Salamander Look Like?
This salamander was first described from four examples. One adult measured about 47 millimeters (almost 2 inches) from its nose to the base of its tail. A young one was about 23 millimeters (less than an inch) long.
Adult salamanders have small, light spots on their tails. These spots look a bit like lichen. The sides and belly of their bodies are almost black. They have strong back legs. Their fingers are slightly webbed, and their thin toes are about one-third webbed.
Where Does the Firschein's Salamander Live?
The Firschein's salamander lives in habitats like pine-oak forests. It also lives in lower cloud forests. These areas are high up, between 1,900 and 2,200 meters (about 6,200 to 7,200 feet) above sea level.
These salamanders need lots of bromeliads to live. Bromeliads are plants that grow on trees. The salamanders were found living inside these water-filled plants. They were often high up, between 7 and 20 feet above the ground.
Why Is This Salamander Endangered?
The Firschein's salamander needs large trees with many bromeliads. This makes it vulnerable to habitat loss. People are clearing forests for farming and building new homes. They also cut down trees for wood. All these actions destroy the salamander's home.
This species is protected by Mexican law. It is listed under a "Special Protection" category. Scientists are checking if it lives in the Cañón del Río Blanco National Park. Protecting its habitat is key to helping this unique salamander survive.
