Tam Dao salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tam Dao salamander |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Paramesotriton
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| Species: |
deloustali
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The Tam Dao salamander is also known as the Vietnamese salamander or Vietnam warty newt. Its scientific name is Paramesotriton deloustali. This special salamander lives only in Vietnam and a part of Yunnan, China.
It belongs to the newt family, called Salamandridae. You can find these salamanders in warm, wet forests near rivers. They also live in forests on mountains. Sadly, their homes are disappearing, and they are sometimes illegally hunted.
Where Do Tam Dao Salamanders Live?
In Northern Vietnam, there are two main groups of Tam Dao salamanders. One group lives in the west, and the other lives in the east. Scientists think that the Paramesotriton group of salamanders split into these two parts a long time ago.
Both groups live in similar places. However, they have slightly different ways of living and finding food.
Why Tam Dao Salamanders Need Our Help
The Tam Dao salamander is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. The IUCN is a group that checks how endangered animals are. But scientists now think there might be fewer of these salamanders than we first thought.
Scientists studied their genes and body shapes in the Quang Ninh Province. They found that some salamanders thought to be Tam Dao salamanders were actually a different type, called Paramesotriton guangxiensis. This means the Tam Dao salamander lives in a smaller area than believed. This makes them more vulnerable.
Also, studies of their genes show they don't have much genetic variety. This can make them weaker and less able to adapt to changes.
Their homes are being lost because of farms being built. Water pollution and floods in the lowlands also threaten them. These problems cause the salamanders to live in separate groups. This makes it harder for them to find mates and survive.
