CR

Cynops chenggongensis

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Chenggong fire-bellied newt faces severe threats from rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion around Kunming, China, which has destroyed much of its limited wetland habitat. Water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff further degrades remaining aquatic environments essential for breeding, while the species' extremely restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to local extinctions.

Threat summary

Habitat

Endemic to freshwater ponds, small lakes, and associated wetlands in the Chenggong area near Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, typically at elevations around 1,800-2,000 meters. The species requires clean, permanent or semi-permanent water bodies with aquatic vegetation for breeding and terrestrial areas with adequate moisture for adult habitat.

Other threatened species in Salamandridae

Cynops fudingensisCR

Cynops fudingensis

Unknown
Cynops glaucusCR

Cynops glaucus

Unknown
Cynops orphicusEN

Cynops orphicus

Unknown
Great Crested NewtVU

Great Crested Newt

Triturus cristatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cynops chenggongensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Cynops chenggongensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Chenggong fire-bellied newt faces severe threats from rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion around Kunming, China, which has destroyed much of its limited wetland habitat. Water pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff further degrades remaining aquatic environments essential for breeding, while the species' extremely restricted range makes it highly vulnerable to local extinctions.
Where does Cynops chenggongensis live?
Cynops chenggongensis occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cynops chenggongensis?
The main threats to Cynops chenggongensis are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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