The Upper Cerro pigmy salamander is fairly large for a Mexican pigmy salamander, and yet only grows to about 65 mm in total length. It has previously been found in the Parque Nacional Benito Suarez, and it thought to have declined by 80% over the last 15 years. It is probably threatened by habitat disturbance, as a result of agricultural expansion, human settlements, and logging. However, despite some good habitat remaining, recent surveys have been unsuccessful in locating this species. It is speculated that the adverse environmental impacts of a volcanic eruption, or even virulent disease (such as chytridiomycosis), might have contributed to the recent dramatic decline.