Open AccessConstricted spatiotemporal foraging of the regenerating salamander, Bolitoglossa mombachoensis
Author(s) -
Mendieta Donaire Roger A.,
Zolotoff Pallais Jose M.,
Chung Ji Suk,
Cobos Rizo Maria A.,
De los Santos Rosales Marcelo,
Jun Lee Jiehong,
Sandino Jaen Roberto M.,
Ketelhohn Clancy Elinor M.,
CascoRobles Martin M.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
ecosphere
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.255
H-Index - 57
ISSN - 2150-8925
DOI - 10.1002/ecs2.2897
Subject(s) - arboreal locomotion , foraging , ecology , salamander , nocturnal , microclimate , habitat , biology , geography , epiphyte
Bolitoglossa mombachoensis is an endemic neotropical salamander of the Mombacho Volcano, Nicaragua. Canopy communities within the tropics are hubs for biodiversity, and many tropical plethodontids have a foraging preference for epiphytic plants, such as bromeliads, which provide moist microclimates for shelter, foraging, and nesting. Habitat loss continues to be the biggest threat to amphibians worldwide. This species is highly dependent on nocturnal arboreal climbing. We describe their plant preference, which extends beyond bromeliads, and their arboreal dependence used for refuge and foraging. Foraging behavior is constricted to nighttime, plant availability, geography, and altitude.