Japanese giant salamander  (Andrias japonicus)

Threats

This species is threatened by hunting, as its flesh is a delicacy in Asia. A more recent and worrying threat is the silting up of rivers in Japan where it is found, due to deforestation creating soil erosion and runoff (3).

Conservation

The Japanese giant salamander is now protected from international trade by its listing on Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) which hopefully will reduce the hunting threat facing this animal (4). Conservation efforts to reforest and protect this ancient species’ habitat are also essential for the survival of this species (3).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
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