Species information
Scientific name: Echinotriton andersoni
Japanese name: オキナワイボイモリ
Chinese name: 沖繩棘螈
English name: Okinawa crocodile newt
Origin: 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 name comes from the protruding ribs on both sides of its body. Its population is small, and it faces the risk of poaching.
In the past, it was considered to distribute from Okinawajima to Amami Oshima, but since the populations on Amami Oshima and Tokunoshima Island have been classified as a new species, Echinotriton raffaellii (2022), this species is now found only on Okinawajima, while the population in Tokashikijima has not been observed in recent years.
Rederence: Author’s website
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
There is a chance to see this species during the 【Herping】 tour, with a higher probability of sightings during the winter breeding season.
