[3] It is endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia (Magdalena Department).

[1][4] The record from Venezuela represents another species,[4] likely Bolitoglossa guaramacalensis.

[1][5] The species is named after Jay M. Savage, an American herpetologist.

Colouration is variable, dorsally light or dark brown, with a clear longitudinal band, mottling, or simply uniform.

[2] Bolitoglossa savagei is found in montane forests at elevations of 1,000–2,140 m (3,280–7,020 ft) above sea level.