At Least Five New Giant Salamander Species Identified

This is the world’s largest amphibian – the Chinese giant salamander, which can grow to nearly six feet long and weigh over 140 pounds. Researchers have found that there is not one, but at least five species of Chinese giant salamander, and possibly up to eight.

However, these amphibians are threatened by humans. In the wild, they are poached and sold as a luxury food. Some researchers believe that some of these newly identified species are already extinct. Experts say conservation strategies—starting with education—will need to be improved to save this amphibian.