This species inhabits primary conifer forests and broadleaf forests close to streams. Adult salamanders often live in slow streams in forests, swamps and moss-rich areas (Fei et al. 2012). It is terrestrial for almost all the year round, and only enters small creeks for breeding (Lai and Lue 2013). Shelters are essential to the survival of this species, and they are very rarely seen outside of them (Lai and Lue 2013). It has been found in wasabi plantations, and the practice of wasabi planting (which involves the piling up of rocks and logs to prevent soil erosion) provides ideal micro-habitats for the species (Lai and Lue 2013). Breeding takes place in streams, by larval development. Larvae can be seen in mid-July (Fei et al. 2012).

This species is restricted to Ali Shan, Yu Shan, and Pei Ta Wu Shan in Taiwan, at elevations between 1,800-3,650 m asl. Each geographical locality is considered an individual threat-defined location, and the extent of occurrence (EOO) is 4,181 km².

Conservation Actions In-Place
The species is protected within Yu-shan National Park and the Tawushan Nature Reserve. 

Conservation Needed
Improved habitat protection is required at sites where this species is known to occur.

Research Needed
There is a need for information regarding habitat requirements of salamanders in order to develop sound management guidelines (Lai and Lue 2013).