This is a restricted concept of Batrachoseps relictus following the split of the broader concept into this and B. altasierrae (Jockusch et al. 2012).

Listed as Critically Endangered because its estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 32 km², it occurs in one threat-defined location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in the Breckenridge Mountains due to the impacts of climate change, drought-induced wildfires, and timber harvesting.

This species is known only from a few high elevation, seep-associated sites in the Breckenridge Mountains, in California, USA. It has been extirpated from the type locality and its vicinity in the Lower Kern River Canyon in Kern County (R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020). Sites in the northern Lower Kern River Canyon reaching to the Tule River and Little Kern River drainages that were previously recognized as this species are now assigned to Batrachoseps altasierrae. The previously recorded elevational range for this species in the Kern River Canyon was 350–731 m asl, however, all currently known extant locations in the Breckenridge Mountains occur at elevations of 1,249–2,012 m asl (R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020).

The total area occupied by this species is thought to be small and extremely patchy, and represents the smallest known range for a described species of Batrachoseps (Jockusch et al. 2012, R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020). The entire known range represents a single threat-defined location. It is possible that this species occurs somewhat more widely, and streamside and seep habitats that drain the northern slope of Breckenridge Mountain into the Kern River should be further surveyed for additional subpopulations (Jockusch et al. 2012). The current estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) of its known range is 32 km².

This species has been extirpated from the type locality and its vicinity in the Lower Kern River Canyon in Kern County. The last known detection at these sites was in 1971 (R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020). It appears to have been extirpated at lower elevations throughout its range (Jockusch et al. 2012), thus shifting the species' elevational range. A decreasing population trend is inferred from the ongoing decline in the quality and extent of this species' habitat.

There is little information available regarding the natural history of this species, as most published reports have now been shown to refer to Batrachoseps altasierrae. At two high elevation sites, this species has been observed to be active at the surface from May-October. This species is known to be water-associated, and is often found near seepages and springs where moisture persists through the summer (Jockusch et al. 2012, Green et al. 2014). At one of the extant locations (E of Squirrel Meadow), this species has been found to be directly associated with a small seep, and individuals here are often found beneath rocks with water underneath, typically on a sandy-gravel substrate. This species is rarely encountered far from surface water. Breeding is done by direct development, and communal nests have been documented in microsites that retain surface moisture through the summer (Stebbins 1985, Jockusch et al. 2012, R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020).

In the past, this species was threatened by habitat degradation due to fire, road construction, and timber-harvesting (Jockusch et al. 2012). Within its current range, this species is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, drought-induced wildfires, and timber harvesting. The threat of climate change is amplified in this species by aspects of its life history, including that it is an obligate seep dweller and relies on winter snowfall to create the springs and seep flows in the spring that are required for breeding. Climate models predict warmer winters that will result in a greater percentage of winter precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, which may lead to a reduction in or early drying of spring and seep flows. Such an event would render currently occupied sites unsuitable for critical life functions, such as reproduction. As the range of this species is very small and falls completely within an historically dry region, the predicted warmer and drier conditions also exacerbate the threat of catastrophic wildfires (R. Hansen pers. comm. August 2020).

Additionally, the salamander chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, “Bsal”) may pose a future threat to this species. The emergence of 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. Within the US, the Pacific coast has been identified as a potentially high risk area for Bsal introduction and spread (Yap et al. 2015, Richgels et al. 2016).

There are no records of this species being utilized.

Conservation Actions In-Place
It is unknown if this species occurs in any protected areas.

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
Improved protection of remaining seepage habitat is needed.

Research Needed
More information is needed on this species' distribution, population status, ecology, and threats. Population monitoring is recommended considering its very restricted range.