The Hainan knobby newt (Tylototriton hainanensis) is a species of salamander in the Salamandridae family. It is native to the central mountainous regions in Hainan. It was first regarded as an endemic species of Tylototriton asperrimus, but latest research findings count it as a separate species. It is also the only amphibian with tails in Hainan.

Protection Class

It is listed as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Morphological characteristics:

The Hainan knobby newt can grow up to 15 cm long with wide and large head. Its dorsal part is densely covered with tan or black knobs, and each side of the body has 14-16 round warts. Its chest and abdomen have fine and dense stripes. Females are larger than males. Young newts have external gills.

Habits

The Hainan knobby newts live in evergreen broad-leaved forest in mountainous areas of 600-1700 meters above sea level. Its habitat is characterized by lush vegetation, damp underwood, fallen leaves and thick humus layer, where adults tend to find shelter in deciduous leaves of dense forest slope or plant roots. After reproduction, the Hainan knobby newts live on land and feed on earthworms, slugs and other small animals. They stretch like gecko and move like lizards.