Plateau tiger salamander

The plateau tiger salamander exhibits facultative paedomorphosis. This species has external gills similar to those on other aquatic salamander species. During this change, the salamander shrinks, loses its external gills and the legs elongate. == Habitat and distribution ==

The plateau tiger salamander is typically considered endemic to Mexico, although its range might extend to the United States. Its natural habitat is grassland, including sparse forest and semiarid grassland. Breeding takes place in a range of aquatic habitats: deep volcanic lakes, shallow vernal pools, artificial cattle ponds, and intermittent, fish-free stream pools. In the highlands of central Mexico, the plateau tiger salamander inhabits ponds and small streams in tropical deciduous forests or in pine oak forests. == Threats ==

Ambystoma velasci is locally threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization, forest clearance, and water extraction, and also by pollution and the introduction of fish and frogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). ==References==