No 71 - Chinese Giant Salamander

The Chinese Giant Salamander, Andrias davidianus, is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Speciesä. It is the largest of all amphibian species, sometimes growing to more than one meter in length. The Chinese Giant Salamander is widespread in central, southern and southwestern China. 

This was once a common species but there has been a drastic population decline of more than 80% over the last three generations largely due to over-harvesting, as it is considered to be a luxury food. Furthermore, the Chinese Giant Salamander habitat has suffered from the construction of dams and local pesticides, fertilizers and pollutants. Although the Chinese Giant Salamander is commercially farmed, the vast majority being traded is believed to originate from the wild.

Fourteen nature reserves have been established for the conservation of the Chinese Giant Salamander, however there are concerns that development around reserves, and tourism plans within the reserve, will disrupt healthy rivers and habitats. Captive rearing of Chinese Giant Salamander has achieved some success, but these projects are mainly to meet the market demand.