Chinese giant salamander  (Andrias davidianus)

This species is threatened by hunting, as its flesh is considered a delicacy in Asia. Other threats include habitat alteration and loss; deforestation causes soil erosion and increased runoff and silting in rivers. The building of dams in China over the years has also changed the natural river flow in some areas where the Chinese giant salamander is found. Local pesticides, fertilizers and pollutants are also thought to affect the health of this amphibian, though little research has been conducted. Symptoms of these recent threats include the lower numbers of Chinese giant salamander recorded, smaller populations and also smaller individuals (4).

The Chinese giant salamander is now protected from international trade by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) (3). Since the 1980s, 14 nature reserves, with a total area of more than 355,000 hectares, have been established for the conservation of the Chinese giant salamander (7). This includes the a huge 99,975 hectare area of Mount Wuyi, China was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1999, dedicated to conserving this biodiverse region, including the habitat of this salamander (8). The surrounding area has a growing population and the establishment of this reserve will protect many species. However, there are still concerns that development around the reserve, and tourism plans within the reserve will place pressure on Mount Wuyi's rich resources, healthy rivers and habitats. Conservation efforts to protect this habitat and other areas where the ancient Chinese giant salamander is found are essential for the survival of this species and many others (8).