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  • Hong Kong Newt
Amphibians

Hong Kong Newt

Scientific Name

Paramesotriton hongkongensis

Other Common Name(s)

Hong Kong Warty Newt, Ridge Back Newt, Giant Firebelly

Body Length

About 15 cm

Gecko next to a human hand for size comparison.
Dark brown salamander on vibrant green moss.

Habitat

Mountain streams, pools and the surrounding forests
River flowing through mountains
Two green trees and small bushes.

Diet

Insect larvae, small fish, shrimp and tadpoles
Fish, scallop, squid, and shrimp.
Green iguana and green frog

Fun Facts

  • The brown body of the Hong Kong newt helps it to blend in with the rocks and dead leaves of its living environment. Similar to human fingerprints, the orange blotches on its belly make up patterns which are unique to each individual.

  • Hong Kong newts breed in pools during the dry season from September to March. The larvae have feathery gills, which disappear after they turn into adults.

    • A dark reddish-brown salamander on wet, colorful pebbles.
    A black salamander with orange spots clings to a wet, clear surface, viewed from below.

    Distribution

    Endemic to China and can be found in the coastal region of Guangdong province. Native to Hong Kong.

    Threats & Conservation

    Threats & Conservation

    Threats

    • Stylized city buildings on a roadStylized city buildings on a road

      Urbanisation & Infrastructure

    • An axe and a hexagonal grid with red dotsAn axe and a hexagonal grid with red dots

      Overexploitation of Biological Resources

    • Forest fire with trees in the background.Forest fire with trees in the background.

      Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption

    • Different types of microbesDifferent types of microbes

      Invasive Species & Diseases

    The Hong Kong newt is the only species of salamander native to Hong Kong. Just like with humans, clean fresh water is essential for these amphibians and therefore pollution poses a threat to their survival.

    Conservation

    IUCN Red List categories with 'Near Threatened' highlighted. Categories include EW, CR, EN, VU, NT, LC, DD.
    CITES logo and text Appendix II

    IUCN Red List

    • Near Threatened

    Red List of China's Biodiversity

    • Near Threatened

    CITES

    • Appendix II

    Conservation

    • Chinese Wildlife Conservation Law: Category 2

    • Protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.

    Support Mission R to protect animals & plants!

    Saving Species & Habitats

    Learn More
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