Animal of the day - Chinese Giant Salamander

This slippery, slimy critter is the largest amphibian in the world, reaching a length of almost 6 feet!



I like to imagine what it would be like to have one as a pet. Playful and friendly, my salamander and I would go everywhere together, except for dry, arid climates. And he would have complete trust in me to keep his skin wet and cool.







Although these guys may seem tough, they are in real trouble! Due to things such as habitat loss, loss in habitat quality, and especially use as a food source, the Chinese giant salamander is now at great risk of becoming extinct! Nowadays, it is extremely hard for researches to find one specimen, let alone to find enough for a study.