Alishan salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alishan salamander |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hynobius
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| Species: |
arisanensis
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The Hynobius arisanensis, also known as the Alishan salamander, is a special type of salamander. It belongs to the family of Hynobiidae. This amazing creature lives only in Taiwan. It is found in the Alishan Range, the Yushan Range, and the southern Central Mountain Range.
The Alishan salamander lives high up in the mountains. It prefers cool, damp places. You can find it between 1,800 and 3,600 meters (about 5,900 to 11,800 feet) above sea level. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, and freshwater springs. During the day, it usually stays hidden.
Adult Alishan salamanders are quite small. They measure about 5 to 6.5 centimeters (about 2 to 2.5 inches) long. This measurement is from their snout to their vent (the opening for waste). Their skin is dark, from blackish-brown to reddish-brown on top. Their belly is a bit lighter, usually brown or grey-brown.
Where the Alishan Salamander Lives
The Alishan salamander makes its home in the mountains of Taiwan. It lives in forests, especially where there are cool streams and freshwater springs. These salamanders need clean water to live and breed. They are often found in forests with both pine trees (coniferous) and broadleaf trees.
Scientists have studied these salamanders. They found that adult salamanders can move around in an area up to 500 square meters. However, they usually stay within a smaller area of about 65 square meters. These salamanders are considered rare. They likely lay their eggs in streams, and the young salamanders (larvae) grow in the water.
Why the Alishan Salamander Needs Help
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists the Alishan salamander as "endangered." This means it is at a high risk of disappearing forever. There are a few reasons for this.
- Small Living Area: The Alishan salamander only lives in certain mountain ranges in Taiwan. These include the Alishan, Yushan, and Pei Ta Wu Shan areas. Its total living space is less than 2,000 square kilometers (about 770 square miles).
- Broken Homes: The areas where it lives are separated from each other. This makes it harder for salamanders to move between groups.
- Habitat Loss: The places where these salamanders live are being damaged. This is often due to new buildings and roads. These projects are sometimes built to help tourism in the region.
Luckily, some areas where the Alishan salamander lives are protected. It is found in the Yushan National Park and the Tawushan Nature Preserve. These protected areas help keep the salamanders safe.
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