Species information Scientific name: Echinotriton andersoniJapanese name: オキナワイボイモリChinese name: 沖繩棘螈English name: Okinawa crocodile newtOrigin: Okinawajima, Tokashikijima Ecology and description This species is designated as a natural monument in Okinawa Prefecture and is one of the most primitive species in the family Salamandridae. For this reason, it is often referred to as a “living fossil.” The… Continue reading Okinawa crocodile newt
Category: Newts
Sword-tail Newt
Species information Scientific name: Cynops ensicaudaJapanese name: シリケンイモリChinese name: 劍尾蠑螈English name: Sword-tail newtOrigin: Okinawa Islands, Amami Islands Ecology and description The species name Sword-tail newt ensicauda means sword (ensis) and tail (cauda). This species is divided into different subspecies between the Okinawa Islands and the Amami Islands. Interestingly, Tokunoshima, which lies between the Okinawa Islands… Continue reading Sword-tail Newt
Amami Crocodile Newt
Species information Scientific name: Echinotriton raffaelliiJapanese name: アマミイボイモリChinese name: 奄美棘螈English name: Amami crocodile newtOrigin: Tokunoshima, Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima Ecology and description This species is one of the most primitive in the family Salamandridae, hence it is often referred to as a living fossil. It is named for its rib protrusions. The species is rare and… Continue reading Amami Crocodile Newt