On the distribution of Bolitoglossa altamazonica and B. peruviana (Caudata: Plethodontidae) in the Peruvian Amazon with observations on their ecology and conservation

Abstract

We report ecological observations of Bolitoglossa altamazonica and B. peruviana in the Peruvian Amazon with suggestions on their conservation. Two localities are provided for both species in one protected area, Allpahuyo-Mishana National Reserve and in Puerto Almendra near the city of Iquitos, northern Peru. A different type of B. altamazonica was also discovered in Allpahuyo-Mishana. It is similar to B. madeira with a reddish coloration on the dorsal parts. Another «grey» type was also reported living between Puno and Madre de Dios departments at higher elevations. However, all the specimens found through their range in Peru have shown colour variation which complicates species identification. New taxonomic studies are needed to confirm their status. The Peruvian salamanders appear to be semi-arboreal species living in primary unflooded terra firme rainforests near water bodies where humidity is high at lower elevations as previously reported (96–118 m a.s.l.). Despite most of the Bolitoglossa species occur in protected areas, a deadly threat was recently reported in frogs (Batrachochytridium dendrobatidis) that may cause loss of salamanders in Peru. For example during our field surveys we were unable to observe B. digitigrada. New assessments are urgently needed for the protection and conservation of Peruvian salamanders. Data on biology, ecology and environmental parameters are also lacking to really protect their microhabitats, and to establish suitable ex situ keeping and breeding programs with the difficult perspective of subsequent reintroduction.

Keywords

• Bolitoglossa
• conservation
• cryptic biodiversity
• ecology
• Peruvian Amazon
• Plethodontidae
• South America
• Urodela