Ishizuchi Salamander (Hynobius hirosei), family Hynobiidae, found in steep, high elevation streams on Shikoku Island, Japan

Tsinpa Salamander Liua tsinpaensis

Dwindling in the mountains: Description of a critically endangered and microendemic Onychodactylus species (Amphibia, Hynobiidae) from the Korean Peninsula

Species that are not formally described are generally not targets for conservation, regardless of their threatened status. While habitat degradation has increased over the past several decades in the Republic of Korea, taxonomic and conservation efforts continue to lag. 

For instance, a clade of Onychodactylus clawed salamanders from the extreme southeastern tip of the Korean Peninsula, which diverged ca. 6.82 million years ago from its sister species O. koreanus, is under intense anthropogenic pressure due to its extremely restricted range, despite its candidate species status. Here, using genetics, morphometrics, and landscape modeling, we confirmed the species status of the southeast Korean Onychodactylus population, and formally described it as Onychodactylus sillanus sp. nov. We also determined threats, habitat loss, and risk of extinction based on climatic models under different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and following the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. 

Based on several climate change scenarios, we estimated a decline in suitable habitat between 87.6% and 97.3% within the next three generations, sufficient to be considered Critically Endangered according to Category A3 of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These findings should help enable the development of conservation programs and civic activities to protect the population. Conservation action plans are a priority to coordinate the activities required to protect this species.

Read the paper: 

Japanese Evergreen Stream Salamander (Hynobius fossigenus), male with eggs, family Hynobiidae, found only in Kantō and Chūbu districts in Japan

Specifically found in streams surrounded by evergreen trees.

Males will often stay and care for egg masses.

Something Exciting Developing at the Sedgewick County Zoo: Imperiled Salamanders!!!

The Tokyo Salamander (Hynobius tokyoensis) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with populations declining in the wild. Native to Japan, this primitive amphibian prefers temperate forests near rice paddies, streams, and ditches - places it depends on for breeding. Rather than laying individual eggs like many salamanders, Tokyo salamanders produce a single elongated egg sac, where dozens of eggs develop together inside a protective, jelly-like tube. It’s one of their most distinctive traits, and we are currently fortunate enough to be observing this process here at Sedgwick County Zoo. As the embryos grow, they’ll hatch into aquatic larvae with external gills. Over time, they’ll undergo metamorphosis, losing their gills and transitioning to life on land, returning to water primarily for feeding and reproduction. While this species is not on exhibit, three of the five total Tokyo salamanders in AZA care live here behind the scenes, helping sustain the population of this species. Follow along as these eggs develop! We will be working to share updates as they grow.

via: Sedgwick County Zoo

Yiwu Salamander (Hynobius yiwuensis), male, family Hynobiidae, found in central and eastern Zhejiang, China

Japanese Evergreen Stream Salamander (Hynobius fossigenus), male, family Hynobiidae, found only in Kantō and Chūbu districts in Japan

Specifically found in streams surrounded by evergreen trees

Taiwan Salamander (Hynobius formosanus), family Hynobiidae, Otaru, Taiwan

ENDANGERED.