This species was split from the common seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola) in 2022.

[1] The Talladega seal salamander can be found in the U.S. States of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

This species occurs in the Ridge & Valley, Piedmont, and Coastal/Southeastern Plains physiographic provinces, in contrast with Desmognathus monticola, which predominantly occurs in the Appalachian highlands.

[2] The Talladega seal salamander occurs in streams throughout its range.

Populations in the Coastal Plain appear to be restricted to high-gradient streams and microhabitats in contact with rock and flowing water.