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Pseudoeurycea exspectata facts for kids

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Pseudoeurycea exspectata
Conservation status
Scientific classification

The Pseudoeurycea exspectata, also known as the Jalpa false brook salamander, was a type of salamander. It belonged to the Plethodontidae family. This salamander was found only in Guatemala. Sadly, it is now extinct.

What Did It Look Like?

The Jalpa false brook salamander was a sturdy creature. It had a short, blunt snout. Its body was dark gray-blue underneath. The top of its body was a dark reddish-brown. It looked a lot like its cousin, the Pseudoeurycea goebeli. You could tell them apart by their tails and legs. The Jalpa salamander had no light patterns under its tail. Its upper tail was lighter, and its legs were darker.

Where Did It Live?

The Jalpa false brook salamander lived only in Guatemala. It was the most southeastern salamander of its group. This species was first found in a broadleaf forest. This forest was west of Cerro Miramundo. It was high up, about 2,525 meters (8,284 feet) above sea level. Scientists thought they might also live on nearby volcanoes.

Its Home in the Forest

In their forest home, these salamanders liked damp places. They were found inside or under rotten logs. They would live in burrows made by wood-boring beetles. Sometimes, they were also found on plants called bromeliads.

Why Did It Disappear?

The first Jalpa false brook salamander was found on March 21, 1952. A scientist named Laurence Cooper Stuart collected it. He officially described the species in 1954. This salamander used to be quite common in its area.

The Decline of the Species

Over time, its population dropped sharply. This happened because of habitat loss. Forests where they lived were cut down for wood. Land was also cleared for livestock farming. The last time anyone saw a Jalpa false brook salamander was in 1976.

Searching for the Salamander

Between 1985 and 2000, scientists searched for the salamander ten times. They went to the same forest where it was first found. But they could not find any. In 2004, it was listed as Critically Endangered. This means it was very close to extinction. Eight more searches happened between 2005 and 2018. Still, no salamanders were found. Because of this, the IUCN declared it extinct in August 2019.

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