Morphological, ecological and genetic studies on Salamandra algira indicate that there are two major clades further subdivided in several lineages (Beukema et al. 2010, Ben Hassine et al. 2016, Bouzid et al. 2017, Merabet et al. 2016a, Beddek et al. 2018, Dinis et al. 2019, Hernandez and Escoriza 2019), which are recognized as five distinct subspecies: S. a. tingitana (Donaire-Barroso and Bogaerts 2003), S. a. splendens (Beukema et al. 2013), S. a. spelaea (Escoriza and Comas 2007), S. a. algira (Bedriaga 1883), and S. a. atlantica (Hernandez and Escoriza 2019).

European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)
EU 27 regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)

In the European Red List region, occurrence is restricted to the Spanish North African Territory of Ceuta. It is therefore Not Applicable for the European Red List.

Within the European region, this species is restricted to Ceuta (Spanish North African Territory; Martinez et al. 1997, Mateo et al. 2003) on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa.

This species is restricted to northwest Africa (Salvador 1996, Ben Hassine et al. 2016), with a fragmented range in parts of northern Morocco (Rif and Moyen Atlas; Bogaerts 2000, Donaire Barroso and Bogaerts 2001, Bogaerts and Donaire-Barroso 2003, Beukema et al. 2013), and northern Algeria (coastal mountain ranges; Bogaerts and Donaire-Barroso 1999, Bouzid et al. 2017, Beddek et al. 2018). There is an uncertain record (based on a museum voucher specimen) of this species from northern Tunisia; the presence of Salamandra algira in Tunisia requires further verification. The species has a global altitudinal range of approximately 80-2,450 m asl.

This is generally a very rare species, especially in Algeria. However, it is locally common in the central and western Rif Mountains in Morocco. It is possibly extinct on Beni Snassen Mountain in north-eastern Morocco.

It is generally restricted to humid montane forests where it is found under stones and beneath roots in Cedar (Cedrus) and Oak (Quercus) woodland. It has also been observed in caves in parts of its range. This salamander appears to be ovoviviparous over most of its distribution (8-50 eggs are produced), but viviparous in the Tangitana region of Morocco. In general, the females produce 15-16 larvae; the larvae may be deposited in either cisterns or small streams.

The species occurs in small relict populations that are heavily threatened by deforestation, overgrazing by domestic livestock, and channelisation of water sources for irrigation. The species is locally threatened by mortality on roads, and there is some collection of this species in small numbers for the international pet trade; further investigations are needed to determine the impact of trade on populations.

This salamander is captured by specimen collectors and features in the pet trade. There are captive populations of this species and the ratio of wild captured to captive-bred specimens in trade requires further investigation.

The species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in Spain. It is not known if this species occurs in any protected areas.