TEHACHAPI SLENDER SALAMANDER Batrachoseps stebbinsi (Brame and Murray) 



Order: CAUDATA Family: PLETHODONTIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : An elongate, slim bodied land salamander, about 55 mm. 

 in body length, with long limbs, large feet, and extensive webbing between toes; dorsal 

 color consists of dark red, brick red, light or dark brown, or light beige patches and 

 blotches, sometimes forming an indistinct band (from original description, published in 1968), 



Present distribution : Known from a few localities in Kern County, California, including 

 the type locality: 10.8 miles east of Caliente Store on Caliente Creek Road, Piute Mountains; 

 from 6.3 miles southeast of Keene Post Office on Highway 58, Tehachapi Mountains; and 

 from several localities along the Caliente Creek Road (Brame, 1971) . Found under large 

 rocks and logs (Brame and Murray, 1968). 



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

 about its earlier distribution. 



Status : Very uncommon . California Fish and Game Department lists as rare . 



Estimated numbers : Only about 75 specimens have ever been seen. Brame (in litt. , 1970) 

 estimates the total population at fewer than 3,000. 



Breeding rate in wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : No demonstrable decline has as yet taken place. In a species with 

 such narrow tolerance limits in its habitat, any decline could be disastrous. 



Protective measures taken : Protected by California law . 



Protective measures proposed : Establish ecological reserves to protect critical areas. 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Brame, A. H. , and K. F. Murray. 1968. Bulletin of the Los Angeles County 



Museum of Natural History, Science: No. 4. 

 Brame, A. H. 1970, 1971. Pasadena, California (pers . comms . ) . 

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



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

 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 & Game. 



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