Plethodon kiamichi

Highton et al. (1989) regarded P. glutinosus (sensu lato) as a complex of multiple species, most of which can be recognized only by biochemical characteristics (allele frequencies). Taxa formerly included in P. glutinosus and recognized as distinct species by Highton et al. (1989) include: P. teyahalee, P. chattahoochee, P. chlorobryonis, P. variolatus, P. ocmulgee, P. kiamichi, P. mississippi, P. kisatchie, P. sequoyah, P. grobmani, P. cylindraceus, P. albagula, P. savannah, P. aureolus, and P. kentucki. Some salamander taxonomists question the practice of recognizing species that are distinguished only by differences in allele frequencies, particularly in the absence of direct information on reproductive isolation (Wake, in Highton et al. 1989; Frost and Hillis 1990).

Petranka (1998) regarded P. aureolus, P. kentucki, and P. teyahalee (as P. oconaluftee) as distinct species, but he regarded P. chattahoochee, P. chlorobryonis, P. variolatus, P. ocmulgee, P. kiamichi, P. mississippi, P. kisatchie, P. sequoyah, P. grobmani, P. cylindraceus, P. albagula, and P. savannah as conspecific with (and junior synonyms of) P. glutinosus. Petranka felt that the split of P. glutinosus into multiple species was premature because of the lack of detailed information on genetic interactions at contact zones between the nominal taxa.

Plethodon 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.

Plethodon 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.

There are currently 13-15 confirmed localities if calculating using the separation distances of 1 km for unsuitable habitat and 3 km for suitable habitat.

The 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.