Bolitoglossa lincolni
Bolitoglossa lincolni, also known as Lincoln's mushroomtongue salamander, is a species of salamander found in the high-elevation forests of Guatemala and Mexico. It inhabits mountain ranges and plateaus, typically between 1,700 and 3,000 meters. This species is classified as Near Threatened due to its fragmented distribution and ongoing habitat degradation.
Key Facts
- ›Found in high-elevation forests of Guatemala and Mexico.
- ›Inhabits elevations between 1,700 and 3,000 meters.
- ›Classified as near Threatened by the IUCN.
- ›Suffers from habitat degradation due to deforestation and agriculture.
- ›Known to hybridize with Bolitoglossa franklini.
Lincoln's Mushroomtongue Salamander, Lincoln's Salamander
High-Elevation Forests, Vegetation
Guatemala, Mexico
Habitat Degradation, Deforestation, Agricultural Expansion, Grazing, Encroaching Human Inhabitations, Salamander Chytrid Fungus
About Bolitoglossa lincolni
Bolitoglossa lincolni, commonly referred to as Lincoln's mushroomtongue salamander or Lincoln's salamander, is a species of salamander belonging to the family Plethodontidae. This species is native to the high-elevation forests of Guatemala and Mexico, typically found between 1,700 and 3,000 meters (5,600–9,800 ft) in various mountain ranges and plateaus.
Distribution and Habitat
The geographic range of Bolitoglossa lincolni extends across Guatemala and Mexico. In Guatemala, it is found on the Guatemalan Plateau and the Pacific versants of the Sierra de Cuilco and Sierra de los Cuchumatanes. The species' distribution continues north to the plateau of central Chiapas in Mexico. Its preferred habitat consists of high-elevation forests where it resides within the vegetation. While it can temporarily tolerate degraded habitats by utilizing undisturbed patches, it eventually disappears from areas that have undergone significant disturbance.
Taxonomy
Bolitoglossa lincolni was first formally described in 1943 as Oedipus lincolni, based on a male specimen discovered in Quiché Department, Guatemala. It was later reclassified into the genus Bolitoglossa in 1963. A species described from Chiapas, Mexico, Bolitoglossa resplendens, was subsequently synonymized with B. lincolni in 1984, a classification that has remained consistent. The species is known to hybridize with Bolitoglossa franklini.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Bolitoglossa lincolni as Near Threatened. This designation is primarily due to its highly fragmented distribution and the ongoing degradation of its habitat. Major threats include deforestation, agricultural expansion, grazing, and the encroachment of human settlements. Despite these challenges, the species remains relatively common in certain locations and has not experienced the drastic declines seen in some other Guatemalan salamanders. A significant potential future threat is the salamander chytrid fungus, which has devastated populations elsewhere but has not yet spread to the Americas.
Bolitoglossa lincolni can be found within several protected areas, contributing to its conservation efforts. These include the Huitepec Ecological Reserve and Volcán Tajumulco National Park.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bolitoglossa lincolni?
Bolitoglossa lincolni is a species of salamander belonging to the Plethodontidae family. It is commonly known as Lincoln's mushroomtongue salamander or Lincoln's salamander.
Where is Bolitoglossa lincolni found?
This species is distributed in Guatemala and Mexico, specifically on the Guatemalan Plateau and Pacific versants of mountain ranges in western Guatemala, extending north to the plateau of central Chiapas.
What kind of habitat does Bolitoglossa lincolni prefer?
Bolitoglossa lincolni inhabits high-elevation forests, typically found at altitudes ranging from 1,700 to 3,000 meters. It lives within the vegetation of these mountainous regions.
Why is Bolitoglossa lincolni considered Near Threatened?
The species is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to its highly fragmented distribution and continuous habitat degradation. This degradation is caused by factors such as deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human settlements.
Does Bolitoglossa lincolni face any future threats?
A potential future threat to Bolitoglossa lincolni is the salamander chytrid fungus. While it has not yet reached the Americas, its spread to Guatemala or Mexico could pose a significant risk to the species.
Are there any protected areas where Bolitoglossa lincolni can be found?
Yes, Bolitoglossa lincolni occurs within several protected areas. These include the Huitepec Ecological Reserve and Volcán Tajumulco National Park.
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