Professor Lew: The Chinese Giant Salamander Helping to Save Her Species
Professor Lew is not your typical professor. Despite her prestigious title, she has never attended a university or studied science. Yet, she may hold the key to saving her entire species from extinction.
Professor Lew is a Chinese giant salamander—one of the rarest reptile species on the planet. These ancient amphibians have existed for over 170 million years but are now critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.
In 2016, UK border officials intercepted smugglers attempting to bring her into the country hidden inside a cereal box. Rescued from an uncertain fate, she found a new home at the London Zoo, where she has been affectionately named “Professor Lew.”
At the zoo, she is part of a conservation program aimed at understanding and breeding Chinese giant salamanders. By studying her behavior and physiology, scientists hope to develop strategies to bolster wild populations and protect this remarkable species.
Her story highlights the urgent need for international cooperation in wildlife conservation. The illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten many species, and efforts like those at the London Zoo play a crucial role in combating these challenges.
Professor Lew may not solve scientific equations, but her contribution to conservation efforts could make all the difference for her species.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
