Emperor newt in exhibit
Scientific Name
Tylototrition shanjing
Geographic Range
Yunnan, China
Diet
Earthworms, centipedes, snails, and other small invertebrates
Emperor newt in exhibit Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable Endangered Status Graph - Vulnerable

More Information

These rough-skinned amphibians are generally dark brownish-black with orange or yellow on the head. They have bony ridges on the back and head and a row of warts running down their sides. They are 4.5–6 inches long, with females being larger.

They live on land but will seek out wetlands and water fields during the breeding season, which takes place May through August during monsoon season. Males and females do a courtship dance, and females deposit eggs on rocks and plants in water. The eggs are incubated for up to 23 days.

Did You Know?

  • Emperor newts are found only along a few rivers in the mountains of western China. They live in mountain forests up to 8,200 feet in elevation.
  • Males and females do a courtship dance that involves possible mates turning in circles underwater while their snouts are touching.
  • The orange warts on their back hide many venom glands. They produce a strong toxin that protects them from larger predators.
Animal Care staff working with seal

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Asian small-clawed otter in exhibit

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