As the name suggests, the Hong Kong Newt is a nocturnal amphibian from Hong Kong, and is the only salamander species of the country. Though it is generally considered to be an independent species, some scientists believe that it is a subspecies of the Chinese warty newt. However, the latter theory is debated. The newt releases a toxic secretion, if threatened.

Scientific Name – Paramesotriton hongkongensis

Classification – Paramesotriton

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – eft

Collective Noun – Herd, congress

Length/Size – 11 to 15 cm

Life Expectancy – 10 years or more in captivity

Mating Season – November to February

Special Features – The skin is coarse and dark to olive brown with small wart-like growths all over the body

Geographical Distribution – Mostly in Hong Kong, but some specimens have been recently found in China’s Guangdong Province

Natural Habitat – Low- to medium-gradient, slow-moving freshwater hill streams and the surrounding forests

Conservation Status – Near Threatened

Diet – Terrestrial or aquatic insects, tadpoles, snails, shrimps, earthworms, and small fishes

Predators – Birds of prey, water snakes, and small mammals