Charles Darwin
Imperial Salamander (Pseudoeurycea ahuitzotl)

Imperial Salamander

Pseudoeurycea ahuitzotl

CR Critically Endangered

Extremely high risk of extinction

Source: IUCN Red List

About the Imperial Salamander

Pseudoeurycea ahuitzotl (common name: imperial salamander, in Spanish tlaconete) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to Mexico and only known from its type locality, Cerro Teotepec (Sierra Madre del Sur) in Guerrero, at about 2,000 m (6,600 ft) asl. It is known from open fir-pine-oak forest with bunchgrass. It seems to require fallen logs for hiding at the daytime.

Key Facts

  • Critically endangered - one of the rarest animals on Earth!
  • Rarely spotted - fewer than 100 recorded observations!

Classification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of the Imperial Salamander?

The scientific name of the Imperial Salamander is Pseudoeurycea ahuitzotl.

Is the Imperial Salamander endangered?

The Imperial Salamander is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

How many Imperial Salamander sightings have been recorded?

1 observations of the Imperial Salamander have been recorded on iNaturalist.

1 observations on iNaturalist

Featured in Beat Darwin

The Imperial Salamander was Beat Darwin's Animal of the Day on challenge #245 — November 11, 2026. Can you identify it in 3 attempts?

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