Cynops pyrrhogaster

(Boie, 1826)

Vernacular names
English : Japanese fire-bellied newt
French : Cynops à ventre de feu

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : 6 subspecies known. Subspecies validity is questionned.

Identification
Adults can grow up to 10 cm in length with males shorter than females. Triangular head with blunt snout. Laterally compressed tail, vertebral ridge on back. Olive brown flanks and back, black belly with bright red areas.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Eastern Asia and is endemic to Japan. It is found on Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and smaller islands. Lives in ponds, paddy fields and pools in grasslands and forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is considered to be common in the wild and it can withstand habitat modification to a certain degree. Not under any immediate threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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