Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.103518
Element CodeAAAAD12330
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVertebrate Animal
IUCNVulnerable
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumCraniata
ClassAmphibia
OrderCaudata
FamilyPlethodontidae
GenusPlethodon
Concept ReferenceHighton, R., G.C. Maha, and L.R. Maxson. 1989. Biochemical evolution in the slimy salamanders of the Plethodon glutinosus complex in the eastern United States. Illinois Biological Monographs 57:1-153.
Taxonomic CommentsThis taxon was formerly included in P. glutinosus and recognized as a distinct species by Highton et al. (1989).
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Excel v3.1x
Review Date2017-12-15
Change Date2001-10-01
Edition Date2017-12-15
Edition AuthorsHammerson, G. (2001), Smith-Patten, B. and D. B. Shepard (2017)
Threat ImpactVery high - medium
Range Extent250-5000 square km (about 100-2000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank ReasonsPlethodon kiamichi is a regional endemic that is currently documented as being restricted to the Kiamichi Mountains, a subrange of the Ouachita Mountains that is >1700 km sq. in extent. The species’ area of occupancy is much more limited, possibly as little as 100 km sq., given that it is found primarily on northerly facing slopes. The vast majority of the species’ range is found within Oklahoma (only about 25 km sq. of the species’ described range lies in Arkansas). The species has been documented from only one county in Arkansas (Polk) and three counties in Oklahoma (Atoka, Le Flore, and Pushmataha). The majority (approximately 75%) of the species’ limited range is not protected, is highly fragmented, and is regularly logged by clearcutting of pine plantations. The threat risk, as calculated by NatureServe’s rank/threat assessment calculator, ranges from medium to very high.
Range Extent CommentsPlethodon kiamichi is restricted to the Kiamichi Mountains, a subrange of the Ouachita Mountains that is >1700 km sq. in extent. The vast majority of the species’ range is found within Oklahoma (only about 25 km sq. of the species’ described range lies in Arkansas). The species has been documented from only one county in Arkansas (Polk) and three counties in Oklahoma (Atoka, Le Flore, and Pushmataha). Known occurrences encompass about 500 km sq.
It should be noted that preliminary results of genetic sequencing indicate that P. kiamichi may have a wider distribution than once thought (DB Shepard, pers. comm.); however, for now the species’ range should be considered as being confined to the Kiamichi Mountains, spanning from its farthest eastern reaches in Polk County, Arkansas, to its foothills in the McGee Creek Natural Scenic Area, Atoka County, Oklahoma.
Occurrences CommentsThere are currently 13-15 confirmed localities if calculating using the separation distances of 1 km for unsuitable habitat and 3 km for suitable habitat.
Threat Impact CommentsThe majority (approximately 75%) of the species’ limited range is not protected, is highly fragmented, and is regularly logged by clearcutting of pine plantations. Other threats include herbicide and pesticide use, being killed on roadways, and issues related to climate change. Climate change will likely be a future threat if it produces more xeric conditions and the species is unable to find sufficient refugia. More erratic temperatures, droughts, and storms would also impact this species.