as P. fourchensis was considered as part of P. ouachitae until genetic differences found in 1979 warranted the distinction of P. fourchensis. Status In the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Rich Mountain salamander is considered to be "Near threatened". This is because, although it is abundant in parts of its range, there are a number of separate populations which could be impacted by local events. It is vulnerable to habitat destruction and clear felling but some of its range is in protected areas. The range is mostly encompassed in Ouachita National Forest, however the majority of Buffalo mountain is on private property, meaning the Buffalo mountain lineage is at a higher risk. References Amphibians of the United States Plethodon Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Amphibians described in 1933