4,000+ acres protected for rare salamander only found in Alabama

In the heart of Monroe County, a prehistoric resident just got a massive lease on life.

The Conservation Fund announced the protection of more than 4,000 acres of critical forest habitat in southern Alabama. This forested area is the home of the Red Hills salamander, a species found nowhere else on Earth.

By securing this property and transferring it to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the project establishes a brand-new wildlife management area (WMA), ensuring that both the native wildlife and the public have a place to roam.

Meet Alabama’s most elusive resident

The Red Hills salamander, which is the Alabama state amphibian, is a celebrity in the biology world. As the largest lungless salamander on the planet, it breathes entirely through its skin and is currently listed as a federally threatened species.

Because it is native only to a tiny sliver of southern Alabama, the loss of even a small amount of habitat can be devastating. This newly conserved acreage contains the essential upland forest habitat these “elusive” creatures need to survive.

Check out some of these fun facts about the slimy amphibian:

• It has an unusually long body with short legs compared to its relatives
• It is only found in 6 counties:
  • Butler
  • Conecuh
  • Covington
  • Crenshaw
  • Monroe
  • Wilcox
• It spends almost all of its life inside burrows on steep slopes
• They live around 10-11 years in the wild, while some in captivity have lifespans of more than 30 years
• Most amphibians start their lives as larvae (similar to tadpoles), but the Red Hills salamander has direct development, meaning they hatch from eggs as miniature versions of their parents, and they never need a pond or stream to grow up in

More than just a sanctuary

While the salamander might be the star of the show, this conservation win offers huge benefits for Alabamians, too.

This effort is part of a massive broader initiative that has seen upwards of 23,000 acres of forestland purchased by nonprofits in the region to ensure the landscape remains intact.

What this means for folks in Alabama:

• Expanded public access: The land will be open for hunting and other outdoor recreation.
• Economic support: The area will continue to support sustainable timber management, which is a backbone of the local economy in Monroe County.
• Connected landscapes: By protecting this 4,000-acre tract, partners are creating a massive network of connected lands that allow wildlife to migrate and thrive without being cut off by development.

A legacy for the future

The Conservation Fund emphasizes that this isn’t only about the present — it’s about ensuring Alabama’s natural heritage remains for the next generation to enjoy. By keeping these habitats intact, the state is supporting biodiversity while simultaneously fueling the local outdoor recreation economy.

Next time you’re trekking through the woods of southern Alabama, keep an eye out for the Red Hills salamander, and take a moment to appreciate the thousands of acres that are “Sweet Home Alabama” for good.

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