This species inhabits undisturbed lowland tropical moist forest (Sunyer et al. 2008). Although little is known about its ecology, the sympatric and phylogenetically similar Bolitoglossa striatula is found near ponds, plantations and on grasses (Bolaños et al. 2004), and undergoes direct development (Bolaños et al. 2004). It is therefore probable that this species may have a similar life history and ecology.

This species is known from the type locality in Dos Bocas de Rio Indio, within the lowlands of Departamento de Rio San Juan, southeastern Nicaragua (Sunyer et al. 2008), at an elevation of 25 m asl. There are further reports of this salamander having been found at Boca de Arenal in Costa Rica (J. Sunyer pers. comm. July 2012), but this requires confirmation and is therefore not considered to occur in Costa Rica at this time (Costa Rica Red List Assessment Workshop September 2019). It occurs at five or fewer threat-defined locations and its extent of occurrence (EOO) of its currently understood range is 678 km², although it is possible that this species may occur more widely.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs in the Reserva Biológica Indio Maíz, part of the Reserva de Biosfera de Río San Juan. It is considered Critically Endangered according to the Red Book of Amphibians and Reptiles of Nicaragua (Robleto et al. 2019).

Conservation Needed
This species would likely benefit from improved habitat protection at sites where it is known to occur.

Research Needed
Further surveys are required to more precisely understand this salamander's distribution and population status, as well as regularly monitoring the forest's status.