The Giant Chinese Salamander!

5 months ago
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The Chinese giant salamander is the world's largest amphibian, reaching lengths of up to 6 feet, weighing up to 100 pounds, and living for as long as a human. These salamanders are descended from an ancient group that lived during the Jurassic period, over 170 million years ago. They are also known as "living fossils" because they have survived the dinosaurs.These amphibians spend their entire lives underwater, yet they do not have gills—they absorb oxygen through their porous skin. Their tiny eyes aren’t much help, and instead they detect prey by sensing their vibrations in the water. The Chinese giant salamander produces sounds that resemble a baby’s cry, earning it the ironic (and inaccurate) nickname of“baby fish.”They have been revered in Chinese culture for thousands of years, but overexploitation for the luxury food market as well as habitat loss has devastated wild populations. With a little help, this ancient salamander can rebound and thrive again beneath the rushing waters of China's mountain river systems.

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