Isthmura gigantea (Taylor, 1939)

Taxonomy and Common Name

Isthmura gigantea, commonly called the giant false brook salamander, is a species of salamander belonging to the family Plethodontidae.

Endemism

This species is endemic to Mexico.

Geographic Range

It occurs along the eastern margins of the Sierra Madre Oriental, ranging from northeastern Hidalgo and northern Puebla to central Veracruz near Xalapa.

Habitat and Elevation

This terrestrial species has its natural habitat at the pine-oak and cloud forest interface, located at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters (3,300 to 6,600 feet) above sea level.

Threats

While it can tolerate a moderate amount of habitat disturbance, it is currently threatened by severe habitat loss across its range, driven by logging, mining, agricultural activities, and human settlement development.