Large amphibian critically endangered

The Chinese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world, is causing researchers great concern as it becomes harder to find in its natural habitat.

Cousin to the great crested newt, the salamander can grow up to six feet in length. It is a nocturnal animal and lives mainly in underwater caves and crevices.

Once abundant along the Yangtze, Yellow and Pearl rivers, the giant amphibian is only found in a few areas where mountain streams remain undisturbed in protected nature reserves.

Population numbers have fallen by 80 per cent in the last 50 years, leading to the species being listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list.

The Chinese salamander has been hunted in order to supply the luxury food trade in China, where a kilogram of meat can sell for 100 US dollars on the market, as it is considered a delicacy. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicines.

The decline in numbers has been further worsened by dam production, deforestation and water pollution damaging or destroying their natural habitat.

In order to save this unusual species from extinction, conservation efforts are growing in China, including captive breeding programmes to release more individuals into the wild.

The size and number of nature reserves where its natural habitat is found is also being increased. It is hoped that these efforts will be able to save the salamander before it is too late.

Image credit: H. Zell