An arboreal salamander that inhabits premontane and lower montane wet forest (Brame et al. 2001, Hertz 2015). All specimens known have been found active while climbing in vegetation between one and 18 m above ground (Brame et al. 2001, Wake et al. 2007, Hertz 2015). It is likely restricted to pristine forest and is not tolerant to habitat disturbance (Panama Red List Assessment Workshop August 2019). It presumably breeds by direct development.

This species is endemic to the western Cordillera Central in western Panama. It has been recorded from Cerro Pando, near the border with Costa Rica, and from both slopes of Reserva Forestal La Fortuna (Brame et al. 2001, Wake et al. 2007, Hertz 2015). It has been recorded at elevations from 1,100 to 1,760 m asl. Its occurrence in adjacent Costa Rica is possible (Hertz 2015), although it is unknown as to whether this species will occur more widely in Panama (Panama Red List Assessment Workshop August 2019). Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 216 km², which represents two threat-defined locations.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in Parque Internacional La Amistad and in Reserva Forestal Fortuna.

Conservation Needed
Improved management and enforcement of the boundaries of Parque Internacional La Amistad is needed to prevent illegal activities from occurring in the park (Panama Red List Assessment Workshop August 2019). Proactive, precautionary steps should be taken to detect the arrival of Bsal in Panama and to establish a baseline by including the swabbing of salamanders encountered during routine amphibian monitoring activities in the country (Panama Red List Assessment Workshop 2019).
 
Research Needed
Further survey work is needed in known localities and surrounding suitable habitat to monitor its population status and determine whether or not it occurs more widely.