Photo: John MacGregor

Conservation Profile

Priority Group: Data Deficient

KNP Info

G Rank: GNR

S Rank: S1

Federal Status: N/A

IUCN Red List: N/A

The Yellow-spotted Woodland Salamander is difficult to survey for and its distribution very poorly known.

Conservation Goal

Develop and support and/or implement field survey protocols to collect data on distribution, life history, and habitat needs. Survey at least 5 new potential sites each year. Monitor specific populations at Lilley Cornett Woods and the Franks Creek site (both in Letcher Co).

Habitat Associations

Physiographic Regions: Cumberland Mountains, Cumberland Plateau

Guilds: Cliff/Rockshelter, Mesic Forest, Xeric Forest

Occurs mostly in mesic woodlands, but sometimes xeric woodlands. Apparently dependent upon suitable underground retreats including rock crevices, small mammal burrows and runways, etc. but can sometimes be found beneath rocks, logs, and other forest floor debris; one of our best sites is an old roadcut.

Yellow-spotted Woodland Salamander

(Plethodon pauleyi)

Threats

Logging and Wood Harvesting

Mining and Quarrying

Pathogens and Microbes

Recreational Activities

Conservation Actions

Unknown

Needs

Survey: Collect baseline species information

Survey: Disease surveillance

Management: Amend transportation regs to minimize disease transmission.

Management: Communicate impacts of fire to amphibian populations and habitats

Management: Develop and implement decontamination procedures as a part of scientific collection permit regulations.

Management: Develop disease response plan

Management: Develop education and outreach materials to inform the public of disease issues and minimization measures.

Management: Disease reporting portal

Management: Protect existing forested areas

Management: Raise awareness of the recreational impacts to amphibian habitat from off-trail ATV use

Management: Restore and maintain sites with good forest cover

Management: Work with regulatory agencies and private partners to minimize the impacts of surface mining and other forms of mineral extraction