(ANN/THE JAPAN NEWS) – Two colossal salamanders, believed to have originated in China and thought to be extinct, have recently been discovered in Japan, astonishing researchers and conservationists alike.
A collaborative effort led by Kyoto University, alongside other esteemed organisations, uncovered these remarkable creatures, shedding light on their existence and conservation status.
Detailed genetic analyses were conducted on these giant salamanders, with the team’s groundbreaking findings published in the esteemed scientific journal, Scientific Reports. This discovery marks a significant milestone in the field of herpetology and wildlife conservation.
Among the discoveries, two male South China giant salamanders were identified—one housed at the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park and the other at the Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo.
These individuals, previously mistaken for Chinese giant salamanders, belong to a species believed to have disappeared from its native China due to various threats, including habitat loss and overexploitation for traditional medicine and food.
The identification of these specimens not only highlighted the importance of genetic analysis in species identification but also underscores the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these ancient amphibians.
The discovery of these South China giant salamanders in Japan opens new avenues for research and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving this species and its habitat.
