What can we do?
According to IUCN, this salamander is listed as Near Threatened. There was a petition in 2008 to have it listed as Threatened or Endangered. The main threats to its existence are logging in its home mountains, especially the slash and burn tactic of destroying the whole forest, because it depends on trees in order to have a home. Another threat is road building in its territory. However, there have been recent efforts to reduce these endangering factors, and the species has shown some recovery due to these efforts.
A recovery plan for this species, Plethodon Neomexicanus, would address ways to limit the deforestation of its mountain habitat, especially limiting the burning of the trees and excessive logging. It would also address the problem of new roads being built in its habitat.
Donation: consider a donation to WildEarth Guardians to support conservation efforts in the American West.
Photo: Gary Nafis
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