Alabama Forest Protected for Rare Salamander and Public Access

Deep in the forests of southern Alabama, a rare species found nowhere else on Earth depends on the health of a very specific habitat. Now, more than 4,000 acres of that landscape are permanently protected — safeguarding critical habitat for the Red Hills salamander while opening the door for expanded outdoor recreation. 

Protecting a Species Found Nowhere Else 

The Red Hills salamander is as distinctive as it is elusive. Native only to a small region of southern Alabama, it’s the largest lungless salamander in the world — and a federally threatened species. That makes protecting its habitat especially urgent. 

The newly conserved wildlife management area in Monroe County contains essential upland forest habitat that the salamander depends on to survive. By securing this land and transferring it to state ownership, this conservation win ensures long-term protection for this rare species. 

In partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Conservation Fund has helped establish this property as a new wildlife management Area — safeguarding critical habitat for the Red Hills salamander and a wide range of other native wildlife.