Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 3,327 km², its population is considered to be severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the area and quality of its habitat in Alabama, USA.

This species is known from the Red Hills region of south central Alabama, USA, where it occurs between the Alabama and Conecuh Rivers (Petranka 1998, Green et al. 2014). It is restricted to Tallahatta and Hatchetigbee geological formations. It is found in Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, and Monroe Counties (Bury et al. 1980, Dodd 1991). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 3,327 km².

Local abundance varies considerably, and population estimates are difficult to arrive at due to the secretive (fossorial) habits of the species and the isolated locations of subpopulations (NatureServe 2021). The population has declined significantly at some sites, with the degree of decline dependent on historical and ongoing land-use practices (Green et al. 2014). Over 80% of the species’ original habitat is estimated to have been transformed or severely affected by silvicultural agricultural activities (Apodaca 2010). Overall, existing evidence indicates that significant declines in abundance and area of occupancy have occurred. Some subpopulations have been extirpated, however the current overall range is thought to remain generally consistent with the historical range (Dodd 2005, NatureServe 2021). The population as a whole is severely fragmented, as the work of Apodaca et al. (2012) indicates that a dramatic decline has occurred in short-term migration rates and the bottlenecks are present within the population.

This species inhabits slopes of mesic shaded ravines dominated by hardwood trees (Big-leaf Magnolia and Southern Magnolia with Mountain Laurel and Oak-leaf Hydrangea). It is often found in moderately steep areas with a northern exposure most often on high, steep, uncut slopes with high soil moisture content and full tree canopy (Dodd 1991). It lives in burrows that often open in leaf-litter-free areas near the base of trees or under siltstone outcroppings. Eggs are laid in cavities inside burrows (Means 2003). Embryos develop directly within the eggs. It can tolerate selective logging or clear-cutting as long as burrows are not destroyed mechanically, as by ploughing, tilling, or other forms of intensive site preparation.

The habitat of this species has been reduced by timber harvest; the conversion of mesic ravines to pine monocultures and the clearing of ridge tops above ravines destroys or degrades available habitat. Overcollection may have caused a decline in some areas (Bury et al. 1980, Jordan and Mount 1975). However, this threat is no longer thought to be causing significant declines. Nearly all habitats are on private timber company lands, and detrimental forestry practices continue (Dodd 1989, 1991), though some problems have been alleviated by management agreements (K. Dodd pers. comm. 1995). Feral pigs are also a threat in some areas.

Additionally, disease may pose a future threat to this species. The emergence of the salamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, “Bsal”) as an amphibian pathogen has caused dramatic declines in European fire salamanders since its apparent arrival in 2008 through the international pet trade (Feldmeier et al. 2016). Although the presence of the fungus has not been confirmed in the Americas, it is spreading in Europe and risks spreading further. Should Bsal be introduced to the US, the impacts on salamander populations could be rapid and severe if immediate mitigation action is not taken.

This species has been over-collected at some localities.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species does not occur in any officially protected areas, although three areas (less than 15 acres) are set aside to support a limited subpopulation. Two areas are in public ownership: Lookout Hill Fire Tower (Alabama Forestry Commission) and Haines Island (US Army Corps of Engineers). This species is protected as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act and is listed as a protected non-game species by the state of Alabama.

In an effort to prevent the introduction of Bsal into the US, an Interim Rule of the Lacey Act has been enacted that bans the importation of 201 species of salamanders (USFWS 2016). Additionally, a temporary voluntary trade moratorium of imports of Asian salamander species that are known to carry the disease until such time as effective testing and treatment regimens can be developed and distributed has been recommended to all exporters, shippers, sellers and buyers by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). A North America Bsal Task Force has also been created, with working groups designed to address a variety of disease prevention and mitigation goals (North America Bsal Task Force 2021).

Conservation Needed
Long-term protection is best assured through private landowner cooperation, and Dodd (1991) recommended a series of management actions that would help to maintain the integrity of salamander habitat. Apodaca et al. (2012) state that protection of continuous slope habitat will likely be an important element of this species' recovery plan. 

Research Needed
Further research on this species' distribution, population size and trends is recommended.