Flatwoods Salamander
(Ambystoma cingulatum)
Description: A small black to brown salamander about 5 inches long. They are most often found in open pine areas maintained by fires.

Forestry Considerations: Forest management is compatible with flatwoods salamander habitat maintenance when activities mimic natural conditions in pine flatwoods. Fire is an essential tool in maintaining flatwoods salamander habitat, particularlry fire in the lightning or growing season when salamanders are not breeding or dispersing. Harvests scheduled outside the October to April period would also minimize potential for impact on salamander populations. Mechanical site preparation can potentially result in habitat degradation for this species, particularly roller chopping, disking, root-raking, and bedding. Herbicides and fertilizers should be kept away from breeding ponds and key habitat areas when salamanders are suspected to occur on the site.

Distribution by County: Flatwoods salamanders are suspected but not documented in Baldwin, Covington, Houston, and Mobile Counties.

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