Successful translocation of an imperiled amphibian following targeted habitat restoration efforts

Abstract Recovery strategies have increasingly called for the use of conservation translocations to overcome barriers to natural recolonization of suitable habitat to reverse population declines. The critically imperiled Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander ( Ambystoma bishopi ) has experienced severe range contractions and local extirpations across most of its historical range. Prescribed fire, woody vegetation removal, and hog exclusion have been used to restore, maintain, and protect habitat conditions within breeding wetlands, but opportunities for natural recolonization are limited. Therefore, we implemented a multi‐year translocation plan to re‐establish populations in three ephemeral wetlands within the Florida panhandle where flatwoods salamanders were extirpated 15–20 years prior. These wetlands and adjacent uplands had been restored through years of habitat management. From 2020 to 2025, over 2250 larvae were released into the three translocation sites. We documented naturally produced larvae in all three sites over the study period. We found that releasing approximately 500–700 larvae per site was sufficient to establish breeding populations within 2–3 years, but further investigation is needed to better understand demography and long‐term viability. Our proof‐of‐concept for this federally endangered amphibian demonstrates that combining wetland restoration, maintenance, and protection with salamander translocations can play a significant role in reversing declines and provides important insights for effectively translocating other amphibian species.