Saving the Giants
Is the Government Protecting Them?
The 1998 Chinese wild animal protection law requires farmers to have one license to farm the species and a second to sell them. (Feng, 2019) However, of the 124 salamander farms in Shaanxi, 5 farms had no license to breed salamanders. All 5 of these farms had breeding salamanders. Clearly, these permits aren’t working as intended. (Cunningham, et. al, 2015)
(Gurr, 2012)
Citizens walk next to a Government Building near Tienanmen Square. Beijing, China
Additionally, since the salamanders are a farmed species, they are monitored by both the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. This causes awkward jurisdiction overlaps, and leads to almost no actual protections being put in place. The Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the planned releases and the licenses, but both these efforts failed. (Feng, 2019)
Then how about CITES?
The Chinese Giant Salamander has been listed in appendix 1 of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) since 1975, and is listed as a State 2 protected species by the Chinese Government. (Cunningham, et. all, 2015) Appendix 1 lists only the most endangered species, which, therefore, need the most protection. International sale of appendix 1 is prohibited, so the Chinese Giant Salamander shouldn’t be allowed. However, Article VIII, section 4 of CITES lists species bred in captivity specifically for commercial sale as exceptions to the Appendix 1 ruling, and treats them as Appendix 2 Species, and, because of this, international trade of the Chinese Giant Salamander is monitored closely, but still allowed. (CITES, 1975)
Falling to the Passionate Organizations
The Chinese Giant Salamander has crawled its way into the hearts of many people, who are committed to saving this important and unique species. Many nonprofits have frustrated by the lack of protection from the Chinese Government, take the protection of the Chinese Giant Salamander under their wing.
(ZSL,2019)
Logo of the Zoological Society of London
Zoological Society of London
The Zoological Society of London, or ZSL, has taken initiative to bring many institutes and organizations together to help protect the Chinese Giant Salamander. First, in 2010, the organization brought stakeholders together to identify the evidence necessary to raise awareness for the Chinese Giant Salamander. Then, partnering with several institutes and organizations that prioritize the Salamander’s survival, namely the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Shaanxi Normal University, and the Guiyang University, and with support from the Darwin Institute, conducted what is believed to be the largest survey of wild Chinese Giant Salamanders ever conducted. (ZSL, 2019) To read the results of this survey, either go to the ZSL website, or check out threats section of this website. If you’d like to help the ZSL, click the orange "donate" button in the upper right!
EDGE of Existence
EDGE of existence publishes a list designating the most evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered animals. As was previously stated, the Chinese Giant Salamander was ranked second on the amphibian EDGE list. But that’s not all EDGE does. EDGE has also taken strides to protect and conserve the Chinese Giant Salamander. EDGE noticed that there was a “marked lack of research” on the Salamander, and took it into their own hands. Since 2011 they have been working to standardize the research on this incredible species, which they have since accomplished. Additionally, they identified much of the species’ current range, and identified the sites critical for conservation. (Jingcai, 2011) To help EDGE out, donate here.
(EDGE, 2019)
Logo of EDGE of Existance