Siskiyou Mountains salamanders are strongly associated with talus deposits, rocky outcrops, and cool, moist microhabitats in late-seral forests.
Limiting factors
This species' range is very restricted and limited to forests in the Applegate River drainage in Oregon. These lungless salamanders breathe directly through their skin, so they are particularly vulnerable to desiccation. They are also highly sensitive to disturbance to talus microhabitat or forest overstory.
Data gaps
Assess distribution and trends. Increase knowledge of life history and population ecology, including phenology, dispersal, and habitat use. Evaluate the effects of prescribed fire on habitat conditions.
Conservation actions
Protect high priority conservation sites near existing reserve system lands, given the species' dependence on mature forest cover. Ensure that land use practices retain essential characteristics of talus microhabitat. Consider seasonal activity patterns, and schedule surface activities when the species is not active (October 1-May 30).
