Photo: John MacGregor

Conservation Profile

Priority Group: Moderate

KNP Info

G Rank: G5

S Rank: S5

Federal Status: N/A

IUCN Red List: LC - Least concern

The Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander has a limited distribution in Kentucky and is apparently absent from the Carter and McCreary County sites where it occurred 20 years ago. Population declines are possibly linked to strip mining. Desmognathus species in general appear sensitive to stream pollution and sedimentation.

Conservation Goal

Develop repeatable field survey and monitoring techniques. Monitor 5 sites including at least 2 at higher elevations on Black Mountain. Develop recommendations for forested buffers along small streams, seeps, and dripping rock outcrops to protect habitat.

Habitat Associations

Physiographic Regions: Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland Plateau, Plateau Escarpment

Guilds: Cliff/Rockshelter, Mesic Forest, River/Streams, Scrub-Shrub/Early Successional Forest

Mostly associated with wet rock faces, mucky and mossy seeps, and the margins of mountain streams. Also occurs out in the woods and beside road ruts and shallow roadside ditches.

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

(Desmognathus ochrophaeus)

Threats

Logging and Wood Harvesting

Mining and Quarrying

Pathogens and Microbes

Recreational Activities

Conservation Actions

Awareness and Communications Human Intrusions and Disturbance

Education and Awareness Human Intrusions and Disturbance

Habitat and Natural Process Restoration Biological Resource Use

Policies and Regulations Energy Production and Mining

Resource and Habitat Protection Biological Resource Use

Needs

Survey: Collect baseline species information

Survey: Disease surveillance

Management: Develop disease response plan

Management: Disease reporting portal