Chignahuapan Splayfoot Salamander

Fascinating facts about the Chignahuapan Splayfoot Salamander

• In 1994 it was removed from the synonymy of Chiropterotriton chiropterus, giving Chiropterotriton orculus its own name.
• The salamander lives on the southern and eastern margins of the Mexican Plateau, between northern Morelos and northern Puebla.
• Habitat loss is its biggest danger: logging and expanding human settlements are carving away the forest patches it needs. As those trees disappear, the salamander’s already limited range shrinks even further.

At a glance

About the Chignahuapan Splayfoot Salamander

The Chignahuapan splayfoot salamander (Chiropterotriton orculus), also known as Cope's flat-footed salamander, is endemic to the southern and eastern margins of the Mexican Plateau between northern Morelos and northern Puebla. Its natural habitats are pine-oak and fir forests, and it tolerates some habitat modification. It is a relatively common, terrestrial species, but is threatened by habitat loss caused by logging and human settlement.

More other animals to discover

Browse Feravox