Some authors have regarded this species as conspecific with Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (Blaney and Blaney 1978), but the current consensus is that it is a valid species, based on morphometric analyses (Green and Pauley 1987).

Listed as Critically Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy are only 4 km², it occurs in one threat-defined location, and there is continuing decline in the number of mature individuals detected in ongoing surveys.

This species is endemic to one relatively small cave system, the General Davis Cave in Greenbrier County, southeastern West Virginia, USA (Petranka 1998, Beachy 2005). Cave explorers have observed West Virginia spring salamanders almost 2 km beyond the cave entrance. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is 3 km² measured by a minimum convex polygon of its known range; however the EOO has been adjusted to 4 km² as area of occupancy (AOO) values should not exceed EOO (IUCN Standards and Petitions Subcommittee 2019).

The population size varies, but likely totals fewer than 250 individuals. Accessible survey sites are relatively small compared to the overall mapped cave system, so it is likely that unknown subpopulations exist. However, extensive survey has been done in the General Davis Cave and other surrounding cave systems and to date no new subpopulations have been recorded (M. Niemiller pers. comm. June 2021). Across a series of 17 surveys conducted from 1975-2008, a total of 192 individuals were recorded, with approximately 20% of those being metamorphosed individuals (Niemiller et al. 2010). Fewer mature individuals have been recorded in recent surveys than in past years, suggesting that the population is likely experiencing a decline (M. Niemiller pers. comm. June 2021).

During both breeding and non-breeding periods this species inhabits limestone cave stream passages with large amounts of decaying organic matter. Individuals are present in the streams and on mud banks along the streams. It is undoubtedly dependent on high-quality water and the availability of organic material flushed into the cave from outside sources.

While there are no immediate threats to this species' habitat it occurs in a recharge zone that could be negatively affected by any future land use changes, such as logging, in the surrounding area. Surveys conducted in 2018 did not detect any water quality issues, although this should be monitored. Hybridization and potential competition with G. porphyriticus may also pose a future threat to the species (M. Niemiller pers. comm. June 2021).

Disease may pose a future threat to this species, as 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.

There are no records of this species being utilized.

Conservation Actions In-Place
The Nature Conservancy owns an easement on the cave system and has the title to one entrance, however another entrance and the entire watershed remain unprotected.

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
Expansion of effective habitat preservation and continued management of the existing easement is needed for the conservation of this species. 

Research Needed
Long-term studies such as monitoring programmes are recommended to evaluate its population status. Further research on threats facing this species is also recommended.