A recent study has confirmed the existence of nine distinct species of the critically endangered Chinese giant salamander, shedding new light on the world’s largest amphibian. The research, published in the Evolutionary Journal of the Linnean Society, was led by an international team from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in collaboration with partners in China.
Once believed to be a single species inhabiting central and southern China, the Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) has now been revealed to comprise multiple species through extensive genetic analysis. These findings have significant implications for the conservation strategies needed to protect these ancient creatures.
“Our research shows that there are up to nine different species of Chinese giant salamander, but only four have been named by scientists, and only two have had their conservation status assessed, with both being categorized as critically endangered,” said Ben Tapley, curator of reptiles and amphibians at London Zoo and co-author of the study. “There is a high likelihood that Chinese giant salamanders face extinction in the wild, and it is extremely important to work collaboratively to prevent this fate.”
Chinese giant salamanders can grow up to 1.8 meters in length. Their unique adaptations include loose, baggy skin that aids in oxygen absorption from water and sensory nodes across their bodies that detect vibrations from prey such as worms, crustaceans, small fish, and frogs, compensating for their poor eyesight.
Samuel Turvey, a researcher at ZSL and an author of the paper, emphasized the urgency of conservation efforts: “Chinese giant salamanders are recognized as critically endangered. All of the species we’ve now identified are at high risk of disappearing forever. If we are to avoid losing the world’s largest amphibians, we need to act urgently to ensure that these newly recognized species are formally recognized and legally protected.”
The possibility that Chinese giant salamanders may not be a single species has been suggested for over two decades. However, this study provides definitive evidence through genetic comparison across populations. “By comparing levels of genetic difference seen across giant salamander populations with differences shown by other known salamander species, we can now confirm this for sure,” Turvey explained.
The discovery underscores the importance of recognizing and protecting the genetic diversity within species to effectively conserve biodiversity. The researchers hope that these findings will lead to more targeted conservation efforts and legal protections for each of the newly identified species.
Reference(s):
Study finds 9 critically endangered Chinese salamander species
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