Anita's false brook salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anita's false brook salamander |
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The Pseudoeurycea anitae, also known as Anita's false brook salamander or Anita's salamander, is a type of salamander that belongs to the family Plethodontidae. This special salamander is found only in Mexico. It has only ever been seen in one specific place near San Vicente Lachixío, Oaxaca. This area is in the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, about 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level. The name anitae was given to honor Anita Smith. She was a resident of Oaxaca City who helped a scientist named Charles Mitchill Bogert when he was studying animals nearby. Sadly, this salamander might already be extinct, meaning there are none left alive.
What Does Anita's Salamander Look Like?
Scientists have studied three examples of this salamander. Two were adult females, measuring about 47 and 50 millimeters (1.9 and 2.0 inches) from their nose to where their tail starts. The third was a young salamander, about 24 millimeters (0.94 inches) long. Their tails are shorter than their bodies. The total length of these salamanders can be anywhere from 43 to 92 millimeters (1.7 to 3.6 inches).
Anita's salamander has strong, well-developed legs. Its fingers and toes are webbed, like a duck's foot. The top of its head, the middle of its body, and its tail are dark brown. Along its sides, it has two uneven rows of dark spots or stripes. Its throat and belly are white. The underside of its belly and tail might have some faint, blurry patterns.
Where Does Anita's Salamander Live and Why Is It in Danger?
Anita's salamander naturally lives in forests where pine and oak trees grow. It has been found in places like sinkholes, cracks in rocks, and caves. It needs very moist or damp places to survive.
This salamander is in great danger because its habitat (the place where it lives) is disappearing. This is happening because of logging (cutting down trees) and new buildings being built. The areas where this salamander used to live have mostly vanished and become very dry. Scientists have not seen Anita's salamander since 1976, even though they have searched for it many times. This makes them worry that it might be gone forever.
