The Alabama waterdog is part of an ancient lineage of salamanders that diverged from all other amphibians 190 million years ago in the Jurassic period. This is a secretive and night-active species that spends daylight hours hidden under rocks or organic debris. It is seldom encountered during the summer months, when it may become inactive. Very little is known about its reproductive biology, although the breeding season seems to commence in December. This species is principally threatened by pollution and habitat disturbance caused by industrial, mining, agricultural, and urban activities, which have reduced and fragmented both its population and range.