to de-list the Shenandoah salamander. In 1994, the sole threat to the species was competition with the red-backed salamander. In the absence of anthropogenic threats, the USFWS determined that it was not possible to establish criteria to de-list or down-list the species in the foreseeable future. As the species is endemic to higher elevations and the range is protected by the National Park Services, human impacts are minimized. However, in the time since the 1994 recovery plan, available science has brought the original analysis into question. Since the recovery plan was established, evidence has emerged that climate change may be a primary threat to the species, potentially influencing competition. Future conservation efforts As of 2020, there have been no listing changes to the conservation status of the Shenandoah salamander. However, there are several studies set to begin in 2020 by the NPS and United States Geological Survey which will focus on why the Shenandoah salamander is exhibiting greater declines than most amphibian species, and biologists plan to develop a management plan at the conclusion of those studies. The future 5-Year Review (set for 2022) can assess the practicality of amending the recovery plan to include de-listing criteria and updating the plan to include additional threats. References Plethodon Salamander, Shenandoah Ecology of the Appalachian Mountains Endemic fauna of Virginia Shenandoah National Park Amphibians described in 1967 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot ESA endangered species