This species inhabits very wet (ca 6,000 mm annual precipitation) montane rainforest. The only known individuals were found under bark from felled logs in recently cleared forest and under leaf-litter in primary forest. Immediately following disturbance to its habitat, the species may still be found provided there are still areas of refuge available; however, it is not thought to be tolerant to disturbance in the longer term (Guatemala Red List Assessment Workshop August 2019). It presumably breeds by direct development and is not dependent upon water.

This species has only been found within 1 km of the type locality, Finca Chiblac, ca 12 km north-northeast of Santa Cruz Barillas, on the Caribbean escarpment of the Sierra Cuchumatanes, Departamento Huehuetenango, western Guatemala, at 1,400 m asl. In 2017, the species was recorded along the same ridge, nearly 300 m higher in elevation (Global Wildlife Conservation 2017). Its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is only 19 km².

Conservation Actions In-Place
It has been recorded in the Yal Unin Yul Witz Reserve, established in 2015.

Conservation Needed
Improved habitat protection is required at sites where this species is known to occur. Proactive, precautionary steps should be taken to detect the arrival of Bsal in Guatemala and to establish a baseline by including the swabbing of salamanders encountered during routine amphibian monitoring activities in the country (Guatemala Red List Assessment Workshop August 2019).

Research Needed
Additional surveys are urgently needed to establish its distribution, population status in the wild, and natural history.