Bolitoglossa schizodactyla
Bolitoglossa schizodactyla·Plethodontidae
The Cocle salamander (Bolitoglossa schizodactyla) is a species of salamander native to the humid lowland and montane forests of Costa Rica and Panama. It is distinguished by its family, Plethodontidae, and its specific geographic distribution across both Atlantic and Pacific slopes in Panama, though only found in southeastern Costa Rica.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Costa Rica and Panama.
- ›Inhabits humid lowland and montane forests.
- ›A common species in Panama, but only known from one specimen in Costa Rica.
- ›Threatened by habitat loss.
- ›Belongs to the family Plethodontidae.
Cocle Salamander, Cocle Mushroomtongue Salamander
Humid Lowland Forests, Montane Forests
Costa Rica, Panama
Habitat Loss
About Bolitoglossa schizodactyla
Bolitoglossa schizodactyla: The Cocle Salamander
The Cocle salamander, scientifically known as Bolitoglossa schizodactyla, is a species of salamander belonging to the family Plethodontidae. This amphibian is native to the humid lowland and montane forests of both Costa Rica and Panama.
Distribution and Habitat
In Costa Rica, the Cocle salamander is known only from the southeastern part of the country, specifically on the Atlantic versant. Its presence in Panama is more widespread, occurring on both the Atlantic and Pacific versants. Its natural environment consists of humid forests, both at lower elevations and in mountainous regions.
Conservation Status and Threats
While considered a common species in Panama, the Cocle salamander's status in Costa Rica is less certain, with records limited to a single specimen. The species faces a significant threat from habitat loss, which directly impacts the forest ecosystems it relies upon for survival.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Cocle salamander?
The scientific name for the Cocle salamander is Bolitoglossa schizodactyla.
Where is the Cocle salamander found?
The Cocle salamander is found in Costa Rica and Panama. In Costa Rica, it is known only from the southeastern part of the country on the Atlantic versant. In Panama, it is more widespread and occurs on both the Atlantic and Pacific versants.
What kind of habitat does the Cocle salamander prefer?
The natural habitats for the Cocle salamander are humid lowland and montane forests.
Is the Cocle salamander common?
The Cocle salamander is considered a common species in Panama. However, in Costa Rica, it is only known from a single specimen, suggesting it is much rarer or more elusive there.
What are the threats facing the Cocle salamander?
The primary threat to the Cocle salamander is habitat loss, which impacts its forest dwelling environment.
Related Salamander and Newt species
Chiropterotriton priscus
The primeval splayfoot salamander (Chiropterotriton priscus) is a species of salamander native to Mexico, found in high-elevation pine and pine-fir forests. It is distinguished by its terrestrial habits, living under fallen logs and bark, and its endemic range on Cerro Potosí and nearby areas.
Blue Ridge spring salamander
The Blue Ridge spring salamander, a subspecies of the spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), is found in the southern Appalachian Mountains and adjacent Piedmont regions of the United States. This species is distinguished by a distinctive white line from its eye to its nostril, bordered by a dark line, and its varied dorsal coloration ranging from reddish to orange-yellow with black or brown spots. They inhabit cool springs, mountain springs, and moist forest areas, and are notable for their diet which can include other salamanders.
Ambystoma leorae
The Leora's stream salamander (Ambystoma leorae) is a critically endangered mole salamander endemic to a very small region within Mexico's Iztaccihuatl-Popocatepetl National Park. Its survival is threatened by its specific water quality requirements and human activities such as water extraction, cattle grazing, and direct consumption, leading to a single known population persisting on Mount Tlaloc.