Taxonomic notes: The species boundaries between this species and both Ambystoma lermaense and A. rivularis require further investigation. However, these three taxa are clearly differentiated from all other Mexican ambystomatids (H.B. Shaffer pers. comm.).

Revision of collections during the past ten years has clarified the distribution of this species (Aguilar et al. 2009). The species has a distribution much broader than previously reported and is found throughout the northwestern part of State of Mexico in Central Mexico, between 2100-2900 m asl.


Aguilar Miguel X., G. Casas Andreu, J. Cárdenas Ramos and E. Cantellano de Rosas. 2009. Análisis espacial y conservación de los anfibios y reptiles del Estado de México. CIENCIA ergo sum, Universidad AUtónoma del Estado de México, 16 (2): 171-180

This is a metamorphosing species spending most of its time on land in grassland habitat. It breeds in large water bodies, dams, bordos.

The population appears to be stable though very fragmented. Some subpopulations are known to be extinct, though several healthy subpopulations throughout its range are currently known (X. Aguilar, pers. comm).

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Introduced predatory fishes (Cyprinuus carpio and Tilapia spp - u Oreochromis? )are the major threat to this species.  but the habitat also has been heavily impacted due to extensive urban expansion (leading to the desiccation and pollution of its breeding habitat).

• 9.2.3 Type Unknown/Unrecorded
• 1.3 Tourism & recreation areas
• 1.1 Housing & urban areas
• 4.1 Roads & railroads
• 8.1.1 Unspecified species
• 6.1 Recreational activities
• 1.2 Commercial & industrial areas
• 9.1.3 Type Unknown/Unrecorded

It does not occur in any protected area, and the conservation and restoration of its habitats is needed. Improved management of hydric resources, including reduced pollution and control of invasive/introduced species, is a priority. It might be possible to breed this species in captivity. Monitoring of the species to follow population trends is needed. Protected under the category Pr (Special protection) by the Government of Mexico.

FORO: better not
Based upon species´ distribution model, suitable habitat for this species has 16% of remnant distributional range of natural vegetation cover in Mexico (equivalent to 45,498 ha), but is just represented in 45,4% in governmental PROTECTED AREAS. Ochoa-Ochoa, L. Urbina-Cardona, J.N., Flores-Villela, O., Vázquez, L-B and Bezaury-Creel, J. 2009. The Effects of Governmental Protected Areas and Social Initiatives for Land Protection on the Conservation of Mexican Amphibians. PLoS ONE: 4 (9): e6878 (Nicolás Urbina).

• 1.1 Site/area protection
• 1.2 Resource & habitat protection
• 3.4.1 Captive breeding/artificial propagation
• 2.2 Invasive/problematic species control
• 2.3 Habitat & natural process restoration

Listed as Endangered because its population has declined by at least 50% as seen by direct observation in a time window of three generations starting in the past and projected into the nearby future. Its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5000 km2, and the population is severely fragmented. There is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in northwestern State of Mexico.

• Shaffer, H.B. 1984. Evolution in a paedomorphic lineage. I. An electrophoretic analysis of the Mexican ambystomatid salamanders. Evolution: 1194-1206.
• Shaffer, H.B. 1984. Evolution in a paedomorphic lineage. II. Allometry and form in the Mexican ambystomatid salamanders. Evolution: 1207-1218.