The official state amphibian of the state of Alabama is the Red Hills salamander, (Phaeognathus hubrichti Highton). The red hills salamander became the state amphibian on April 13th, 2000 via state legislature Act 2000-232. The Red Hills salamander is extremely rare and currently is on the endangered species list and is under federal protection since 1976.  The salmandar is only thought to be found in the southern section of Alabama in Butler, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Covington and Monroe Counties.