A Chinese emperor newt sits on a wet rock, with blurred green foliage in the background at Paignton Zoo in Devon, UK

Chinese Emperor Newt

Paignton Zoo is home to six Chinese emperor newts, which you can find in Amphibian Ark.

Chinese Emperor NewtTylototriton shanjing

  • Class:

    Amphibia

  • Order:

    Caudata

  • Family:

    Salamandridae

About the Chinese emperor newt

The Chinese emperor newt is a dramatic amphibian from the montane forests of Yunnan in southwest China. Growing to around 14–18 centimetres, it has a dark body highlighted by vivid orange markings along the head and rib nodules.

These newts live in forest pools and slow-moving streams, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. They are mostly solitary, gathering during the breeding season to lay eggs in water.

Conservation

The species is currently listed as Near Threatened, with habitat loss and over-collection among the main pressures.