Taxonomic notes: Based on allozyme data, this species is most similar to Ambystoma granulosum, and not to A. altamirani (Shaffer pers. comm.).

The distribution of this species was contentious but has now been clarified (Aguilar, et al. 2009). This species is known only from central Mexico in a small region on the border between the states of Michoacán and Mexico State. The type locality is 13km west of Villa Victoria. Historical records suggest it was also present at other localities in western Mexico state, but it has not been recorded there in recent times. This species is found between 2550-2,800m asl.

This species is associated with slow-flowing streams in pine or pine-oak forests. It does metamorphose, but the adults stay in water.

The species occurs in the Special Reserve of the Monarch Butterfly, where a well-studied population appears to be stable, and other known populations also appear to be stable.

The species is consumed locally due to its believed medicinal properties.

There has been very serious disturbance of the forest and stream habitats of this species since 1980 with the disappearance of streams required for its survival. Much of the habitat loss is due to illegal logging in national parks, and trout farms. There has also been pollution of streams, and this species is probably caught locally for medicinal reasons.

• 1.3 Tourism & recreation areas
• 9.1.3 Type Unknown/Unrecorded
• 8.1.1 Unspecified species
• 9.4 Garbage & solid waste
• 5.3.5 Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded
• 5.1.1 Intentional use (species is the target)
• 6.1 Recreational activities

It is known to occur in Area de Protección de Flora y Fauna Nevado de Toluca (recently downgraded from National Park to conservation area), and Santuario del Agua protected area in Mexico State. The population in the Special Reserve of the Monarch Butterfly (in Mexico State and Michoacán State) has been studied recently, and is considered to be secure. More effective conservation of its habitat, and mitigation of pollution, is needed, as are field studies to monitor its population trends. This species is considered as "Threatened" (Amenazada) by the government of Mexico.

FORO: Not clear that models are good for this species.
Based upon species´ distribution model, suitable habitat for this species has 66% of remnant distributional range of natural vegetation cover in Mexico (equivalent to 4,197,252 ha), but is just represented in 27% in protected areas (13% governmental PA; 14% social private efforts). 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)

• 3.1.1 Harvest management
• 2.3 Habitat & natural process restoration
• 2.1 Site/area management
• 3.4.1 Captive breeding/artificial propagation
• 4.3 Awareness & communications
• 1.1 Site/area protection

Listed as Vulnerable because its population is estimated to have declined by at least 30% and the pressures upon the species are very likely to continue into the future. Its Extent of Occurence is estimated to be less than 20,000 km2, it occurs in less than 10 locations and the quality of its habitat continues to be degraded.

• Huacaz Elias, D. de. C. 2003. Estado de conservacion de Ambystoma rivulare Taylor, (1940) en El Santuario Sierra Chincua de la Reserve de la Biosfera "Mariposa Monarca". Biologicas: 51-63.
• Lemos-Espinal, J.A., Ballinger, R.E. and Smith, G.R. 1999. Ambystoma rivulare (Michoacan stream siredon). Cannibalism. Herpetological Review: 159.
• 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.
• Shaffer, H.B. and Lauder, G.V. 1985. Patterns of variation in aquatic ambystomatid salamanders: kinematics of the feeding mechanism. Evolution: 83-92.
• Shaffer, H.B. and McKnight, M.L. 1996. The polytypic species revisited: genetic differentiation and molecular phylogenetics of the tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum) (Amphibia: Caudata) complex. Evolution: 417-433.