:quality(80))
Oriental Fire-Bellied Newt
Paignton Zoo is home to 2 large groups of fire-bellied newts, which you can find in Amphibian Ark.
Class:
Amphibia
Order:
Caudata
Family:
Salamandridae
About the Oriental fire-bellied newt
The Oriental fire-bellied newt is a small but eye-catching amphibian from eastern China. Measuring just 8–10 centimetres, it has a dark brown back and a vivid orange or red belly marked with black spots. This bright underside acts as a warning to predators that the newt produces mild toxins.
In the wild, these newts inhabit ponds, rice paddies and slow-moving water near forests. They feed on aquatic invertebrates and small prey, often remaining still before striking quickly.
Conservation
The species is currently listed as Least Concern, but habitat loss and collection for the pet trade affect some wild populations.