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Himalayan Emperor Newt
You can see our seven Himalayan emperor newts in Amphibian Ark during your visit to Paignton Zoo.
Class:
Amphibia
Order:
Caudata
Family:
Salamandridae
About the Himalayan emperor newt
The Himalayan emperor newt is a large, robust amphibian with rough, textured skin and distinctive orange rib nodules along its dark brown body. Growing to around 15–18 centimetres, this species is adapted to cool montane forests and slow-moving streams.
These newts are mainly solitary outside the breeding season and feed on insects and other small invertebrates. During the wetter months they return to forest pools to lay their eggs, continuing the life cycle in water before young develop onto land.
Conservation
The species is currently listed as Near Threatened, facing pressure from habitat loss and collection for the wildlife trade.