A Chinese salamander Andrias davidianus is among the many endangered species. However, this rare creature is not only in danger of being wiped out off the world’s ecosystem, but it has also been highlighted for its large size.
According to a recent report on The National Geographic, the 2-meters long salander is the world’s largest amphibian. The vertebrates that typically require a moist environment to survive, includes frogs, toads and more. National Geographic pointed out, the largest amphibians are the giant salamanders of China. They can grow more than five feet in length and well over 100 pounds. Only a few decades ago they could still be readily found throughout China, from the subtropical south to the north-central mountains to the eastern part of the country.
Researchers once considered them to be a single species, Andrias davidianus. However, new research has revealed there are three species with slight variations in their genetics.
These amphibians that were once traded in the black market in the luxury food trade, are now set to receive extensive support to conserve the trio of species. According to BBC, Prof Samuel Turvey of Zoological Society of London termed the decline of the species as ‘catastrophic.’ He went on to add, “We hope that this new understanding of their species diversity has arrived in time to support their successful conservation, but urgent measures are required to protect any viable giant salamander populations that might remain,” he said.
Co-researcher, Melissa Marr, of the Natural History Museum London, said measures must be put in place that preserves the genetic integrity of each distinct species.
“These findings come at a time where urgent interventions are required to save Chinese giant salamanders in the wild,” she said.
