Critically endangered animal has multiple species

The world’s largest amphibian is not one species but many, research has shown, with implications for conservation of the critically endangered, ancient animal. 

A study of genetic data has confirmed that the Chinese giant salamander, once thought to be a single species, consists of multiple unique species – at least seven and perhaps as many as nine – living in different rivers across central and southern China. 

The research team, led by conservation charity ZSL and involving the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, is calling for their finding to be urgently recognised in law, to protect the animal.

DNA analysis

Researchers used computer models to analyse genetic data for the Chinese giant salamander, using DNA from all currently recognised types of the animal.

Their results point to at least seven, and potentially nine, separate species.

Conservationists hope to ensure that legislation protects the salamander, whose populations have declined since the early 2000s owing to habitat loss and poaching to stock farms for China’s luxury food market. 

Work is needed to locate surviving wild populations, or find individuals from the newly recognised species on farms, which could potentially be used for conservation breeding, the team suggests. 

Efforts are needed to define the new species, identify remaining animals and ensure that they are recognised in legislation, the researchers add. 

Conservation challenges

The assumption that Chinese giant salamanders were all the same species has led to problems around their conservation.

Movement of salamanders between farms and releases or escapes into the wild raise the risk that different species will cross-breed with each other, and may have led to animals invading non-native habitats.

The study, carried out in collaboration with scientists in China, was published in Evolutionary Journal of the Linnean Society.

"Chinese giant salamanders have been described as living fossils, as their appearance has remained unchanged for millions of years. 

“Our research reveals hidden diversity; while outwardly similar, these amphibians have genetically diverged into at least seven distinct species. These are at risk of extinction even before they can be fully named and protected. 

“As a keystone species, preserving Chinese giant salamanders and their genetic diversity is essential for maintaining the health of their ecosystems. Our findings underscore the urgent need to safeguard these unique amphibians before it's too late."

“The possibility that Chinese giant salamanders may not be a single species has been suggested by researchers for 20 years, but by comparing levels of genetic difference seen across giant salamander populations with differences shown by other known salamander species, we can now confirm this.”

Professor Samuel Turvey, Researcher,  ZSL Institute of Zoology

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