The Chinese Giant Salamader (Andrias davidianus) is an amphibian that has seen it all happen. Pre dating even the Tyrannosaurus rex, the largest living amphibian known to man is finding it quite difficult to escape extinction. Commonly found in aquatic habitats in the United States, China and Japan, it is quite uncommon nowadays to spot them, a sad testimony to man’s mindless destruction of eco habitat.
One is every three amphibian species is under threat. 80% of the Chinese Giant Salamander’s has been destroyed since the early 60’s. It’s sad, but true..
Nocturnal with poor eyesight, the salamander banks on sensory nodes on its head and body to detect minute water pressure changes that allows them to hunt their manna. Known for hunting as a group, they find themselves almost on the edge of extinction. It is heartening that a recent project EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) promises to lend more support to the amphibian plight. Check out their voice for conservation that fights for a better future for these endangered species.
With most eco conservation efforts are presently focussed on other species, the neglected amphibians are having a tough ask, their legendary resilience no match for habitat degradation, human consumption and the impact of global warming on their environs.
If we dont act now, the final curtain will be drawn on the last act of these incredible creatures who boast of a lineage that evolved 170 million years ago.
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