Kiamichi Slimy Salamander (Plethodon kiamichi)
Description: Adult specimens have been observed with lengths between 48 and 75 mm (1.9 and 3.0 in) and it feeds on spiders, worms, insects, and other small invertebrate animal species. It is a nocturnal species which assists it keeping from predators, and is thought to hibernate between the middle of November and towards the end of March. To prevent desiccation, the Kiamichi slimy salamander goes into burrows or under objects. It has terrestrial methods of reproduction and is mainly found near logs and rocks. Its skin creates secretions that are noxious, and it forms adhesive skin secretions when touched.[3]
Habitat: It occurs in ravines and moist forests mainly near logs and rocks and it might be common in a small area.
Range: The Kiamichi slimy salamander is found in the Kiamichi Mountains and Round Mountains of Le Flore County, eastern Oklahoma and Polk County, western Arkansas, respectively. It is threatened by habitat loss (deforestation) and details regarding its population are unknown.
Found in these States:
AR |
OK
Diet: Unknown, but prey likely consists of small invertebrates such as worms, insects, and spiders.
Reproduction: Little is known of the life history of this species. Life history features of Kiamichi slimy salamanders presumably are similar to that of related forms. Reproduction is terrestrial.
Status: Listed as Vulnerable, as this species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 3,210 km2, it is considered to occur in 10 or fewer threat-defined locations, and there is continuing decline in the quality of its habitat.
»» Kingdom: Animalia - Animals
»» Phylum: Chordata - Chordates
»» Subphylum: Vertebrata - Vertebrates
»» Class: Amphibia - (Amphibians)
»» Order: Caudata - Salamanders
»» Family: Plethodontidae - Lungless Salamanders
»» Genus: Plethodon
»» Species: Plethodon kiamichi - Kiamichi Slimy Salamander
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Kiamichi Slimy Salamander", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0. Content may have been omitted from the original, but no content has been changed or extended.
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