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| Subspecies: | Unknown |
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| Est. World Population: | |
| CITES Status: | NOT LISTED |
| IUCN Status: | Critically Endangered |
| U.S. ESA Status: | NOT LISTED |
| Body Length: | |
| Tail Length: | |
| Shoulder Height: | |
| Weight: | |
| Top Speed: | |
| Jumping Ability: | (Horizontal) |
| Life Span: | in the Wild |
| Life Span: | in Captivity |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Females) |
| Sexual Maturity: | (Males) |
| Litter Size: | |
| Gestation Period: | |
Habitat:
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.
Range:
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.
Conservation:
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.
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.