This species occurs in leaf litter within a range of habitats, including open, predominately yellow pine forest to closed canopy forests of laurel and sycamore. The preferred habitats appear to change with elevation, with the species occupying closed canopy forest at higher elevations and more open oak woodlands near the coast. In the northern portion of its range, individuals are found under cover in shaded ravines, often where redwoods are present (E. Jockusch pers. comm. July 2021). Near Rocky Butte in the San Simeon Creek drainage, this species is found along the forest edge but is absent from well-developed oak forest (Jockusch et al. 2001, Hansen and Wake 2005, Green et al. 2014). Although there is limited ecological information, similar to its congeners, it is expected to breed by direct development.

This species is known from the Santa Lucia Range of central coastal California, USA, in extreme southwestern Monterey County and northern San Luis Obispo County (Jockusch et al. 2001). Although generally found in the mountains at elevations up to 1,000 m asl, in the north-western-most part of its range this species can be found near sea level where the mountains meet the ocean (Green et al. 2014). More research is needed to better understand the full distribution of this species. The current estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 1,511 km².

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species occurs on Los Padres National Forest land, which confers some degree of protection (E. Jockusch pers. comm. July 2021). It is possible that it occurs in other protected areas, such as Silver Peak Wilderness Area, however its presence has not been confirmed.
 
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).

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