Scientific Name
Paramesotriton hongkongensis
Other Common Name(s)
Hong Kong Warty Newt, Ridge Back Newt, Giant Firebelly
Body Length
About 15 cm
Habitat
Diet
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.
Distribution
Threats & Conservation
Threats & Conservation
Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Human Disturbance & Ecosystem Disruption
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.
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.
