Cynops orientalis

(David, 1873)

Vernacular names
English : Oriental fire-bellied newt
French : Triton chinois

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Sometimes placed in genus Hypselotriton

Identification
Adults can grow up to 9 cm in length with tail making for half of total length. Males are smaller with higher fin on tail. Flat head, rounded snout, large eyes. Smooth dark skin, no orange spot behind eyes. Belly red with black markings.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Eastern Asia and is endemic to China, occurring in the provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Zhejiang. Lives in ponds, paddy fields and pools in hilly forests and degraded habitats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
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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