Chinese Giant Salamander, a creepy animal (13 Pics)

Compartir

The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) is the largest salamander and largest amphibian in the world, reaching a length of 180 cm (6 ft), although it rarely – if ever – reaches that size today. It is endemic to rocky, mountain streams and lakes in China, as well as Taiwan, probably as a result of introduction.[2] It is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and overcollection, as it is considered a delicacy and used in folk medicine. It has been listed as one of the top 10 "focal species" in 2008 by the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) project.

The female lays 400-500 eggs in an underwater breeding cavity, which is guarded by the male until the eggs hatch after 50–60 days. The average adult salamander weighs 25–30 kg (55-66 lb) and is 1.15 m (3.8 ft) in length.

he Chinese giant salamander is one of the largest known amphibian species, reaching lengths of up to 5 ft and a weight of 80 lb. Its habitat has recently suffered in the past few decades due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Consequently, many salamanders are now farmed in mesocosms across China. Furthermore, previously built concrete dams that destroyed the salamander’s habitat are now fitted with stairs so the giant Chinese salamander can easily navigate the dam and make it back to its niche.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_giant_salamander