DESERT SLENDER SALAMANDER Batrachoseps aridus (Brame) 



Order: CAUDATA Family: PLETHODONTIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A small, slim land salamander, differing from all other 

 members of its genus by its distinctive ventral coloration consisting of blackish maroon on 

 belly and throat area which is sharply contrasted with the flesh-colored ventral side of the 

 tail (from original description) . 



Present distribution : Known only from about an acre of land in the immediate vicinity of the 

 type locality, which is in Hidden Palm Canyon, a branch of Deep Canyon, at the northwest 

 end of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Riverside County, California. They live under limestone 

 sheeting on north and west facing walls of the canyon in summer and can also be found under 

 rock talus during rest of year . 



Former distribution; Since the species is very recently described there is no information 

 about its earlier distribution. 



Status: In peril. Listed as endangered by California Dept. of Fish and Game. 



Estimated numbers : Brame (1970) estimates the total population at fewer than 500. 



Breeding rate in wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : No demonstrable decline has as yet taken place. The restriction in 

 habitat to the limestone sheeting and the talus slopes makes the species particularly vulnerable 

 to over-collecting by zoologists. Destruction of the limestone cover would result in extinction 

 of the species . 



Protective measures taken : Fully protected under California law . 



Protective measures proposed : The California Department of Game and Fish is 

 attempting to acquire the type locality for an ecological reserve. Dr. Lloyd Tevis, the 

 University of California, has recommended the locality be listed on the inventory of 

 places in the low desert which need to be preserved, as prepared by the California 

 Natural Areas Coordinating Council. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown, probably slight or none. 



References : 



Bury, R. B. 1972. Status report on California's threatened amphibians and reptiles. 



Inland Fisheries Administrative Report 72-2. California Dept. of Fish & Game. 

 Brame, A. H. 1970. Contributions in science, Los Angeles County Museum, No. 13. 



. 1970. Pasadena, California (pers . comm.). 



Leach, H. R. and L. D. Fisk . 1972. At the crossroads--a report on California's 



endangered and rare fish and wildlife. California Dept. of Fish and Game. 

 Tevis, L. 1970. Deep Canyon Desert Research Center , California (pers. comm.). 



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