Listed as Critically Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 47 km², it is considered to occur in one threat-defined location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in Shenandoah National Park due to invasive species and climate change drying out the habitat and competition with native species.

There are three isolated subpopulations of this species on Hawksbill Mountain, The Pinnacles, and Stony Man Mountain (including Bushytop and a subpopulation below Hemlock Springs Overlook), in Shenandoah National Park, Page and Madison counties, Virginia, USA. It generally occurs above 900 m asl in elevation (914-1,143 m asl). Reports from further south on the Blue Ridge (Thurow 1999) appear not to refer to this species (Sites et al. 2004). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 47 km².

The abundance of this species is uncertain. The population is thought to be experiencing a decline, with local extinction rates higher and colonization rates lower in areas where P. cinerus co-occurs (Grant et al. 2014).

This species inhabits relatively dry, steep, northerly facing talus slopes that support varying densities of hardwood trees. Individuals are found in moist soil pockets and rocks that characterize these habitats (Green et al. 2014). It is tolerant of relatively dry conditions. Talus is sub-optimal habitat for this species, but it is excluded from forest habitat through competition with Eastern Red-backed Salamander P. cinereus. The presence of this species on the landscape is strongly influenced by elevation and aspect; presumably in relation to temperature and moisture gradients. It is thought to be associated with central and southern Appalachian high elevation forest types (Jaeger 1971, Grant et al. 2014). It is a terrestrial breeder, with direct development.

This species is actively threatened by the alteration of forest canopy cover due to defoliation by the introduced gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and woolly adelgids (Adelges tsugae), acid precipitation, sources of air pollution, and overgrowth of the talus habitat (USFWS 1994, Green et al. 2014). Additionally, the mortality rate for this species is increased by environmental perturbations that cause drying out of the talus (Green et al. 2014). Changes in climate in particular could impact already marginal habitat and exceed this species' tolerance, especially considering this species occurs at higher elevations. Illegal camping also poses a threat to this species as it has the potential to cause disturbance of the soil and vegetation (USFWS 1994). Naturally occurring threats include the inter-specific territoriality with the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus). The range of this species might be restricted by competition with Plethodon cinereus, which excludes this species from moist deep soil adjacent to talus occupied by the latter (Griffis and Jaeger 1992). The synergistic impacts of climate change and competition may exacerbate this species' extinction risk in a warmer and drier future (Grant et al. 2014).

Disease may also 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. Although the presence of the fungus has not been confirmed in the Americas, it is spreading in Europe and risks spreading further. The eastern USA has the highest diversity of salamanders in the world and should Bsal be introduced in the region it is likely to cause widespread amphibian losses, especially among members of Salamandridae and Plethdontidae, and affects to their broader communities. This part of the country has been identified as a potentially high risk area for Bsal introduction and spread (Martel et al. 2014, Yap et al. 2015, Richgels et al. 2016).

There are no reports of this species being utilized.

Conservation Actions In-Place
The entire range of this species occurs in areas managed by the National Park Service. However, the consequences of climate change, acid rain, invasive species and competition with P. cinerus are felt within the park. It is listed as Endangered by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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
Strengthened enforcement of backcountry camping regulations is recommended to mitigate the threat of illegal camping. Continued management and enforcement of protected areas will be important for maintaining critical habitat within the this species' range.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats, and population monitoring is recommended.