JEMEZ MOUNTAIN SALAMANDER Plethodon neomexicanus (Stebbins and Reimer) 



Order: CAUDATA Family: PLETHODONTIDAE 



Distinggibhing characteristics : A slender, elongate, terrestrial salamander, with 19 

 costal grooves and a single phalanx in the fifth hind toe; brownish dorsally, with golden 

 flecking, light ventrally. 



Present distribution : Known only from a very small area in the Jemez Mountains, 

 New Mexico. It has been collected at a total of seven places (Reagan, 1972) . 



Former distribution : Within historical times, probably about as at present, but certainly 

 more widely spread during Pleistocene. 



Status : Very uncommon. 



Estimated numbers : Probably several thousand individuals. It can be collected 

 comparatively easily in suitable habitat. 



Breeding rate in the wild : Clutch size is 5 to 12 (Reagan, 1972). Eggs are deposited 

 underground among rocks (Reagan, 1972). 



Reasons for decline : Probably no decline in historical time; the retreat of the 

 Arcto-Tertiary forest in the Pleistocene resulted in the isolation of the species in the 

 Jemez Mountains (Blair, 1958). 



Protective measures already taken : None . 



Measures proposed : The salamander lives on land under the control of either the U.S. 

 Forest Service or the Baca Land and Cattle Corporation. Both should be encouraged to 

 remain aware of this diminutive inhabitant of their property. A Research Natural Area 

 should be established on Federal land to protect parts of its habitat. Many specimens are 

 now available in collections , and collectors should leave it alone . 



Number in captivity : None , insofar as known . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Probably none . 



Remarks : The species was first suggested by H.J. McKirdy, and listed as "status 

 unknown" in earlier Red Books. Douglas Reagan has provided sufficient documentation 

 to permit identification of its status . 



References : 



Blair, W. F. 1958. In Hubbs . C. Zoogeography. AAAS Publ . 51 . 



Highton, R. 1962. Florida State Museum . Bull. Vol. 6. 



Reagan, D. P. 1972. Ecology and distribution of the Jemez Mountains salamander, 



Plethodon neomexicana . Copeia, 1972(3): 486-492 . 

 Stebbins, R. C. andW. J. Riemer . 1950. Copeia. 



80 



