It is the largest salamander species globally, belonging to the genus Andrias, and is native to cool, fast-flowing streams and rivers in China.
It belongs to the Cryptobranchid family, a group of ancient salamanders with lineage dating back more than 170 million years.
It is primarily nocturnal, utilizing its excellent sense of smell to locate prey, which includes fish, insects, and crustaceans, using a sit-and-wait hunting strategy.
It produces skin secretions with antimicrobial properties, believed to aid in protection against diseases, and its unique skin texture has led to its nickname "warty pig."
It faces severe threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and over-exploitation for the pet trade and traditional medicine.
It communicates through a series of vocalizations, including whistles, barks, and grunts.
Due to its precarious conservation status, there are ongoing efforts to establish captive breeding programs and conservation initiatives to safeguard this iconic species and its genetic diversity.