Is the Chinese fire-bellied newt a protected animal? A detailed introduction to its protection level

The Chinese fire-bellied newt, also called the Chinese fire dragon, is a species of amphibian in the genus Cynops. Its upper skin is black and bumpy, while its underside is orange-red with black spots. Most are kept as ornamental newts; because they contain tetrodotoxin, they must not be eaten or used as food. The Chinese fire-bellied newt is brightly colored and cute in appearance, and closely resembles the “giant salamander”, but because it is itself toxic, it can only be kept for viewing and is not recommended as a pet. So, is the Chinese fire-bellied newt a protected animal?

Is the Chinese fire-bellied newt a protected animal?

The Chinese fire-bellied newt is fairly common and is one of China's "three haves" protected animals. This species has been included in the "List of Terrestrial Wild Animals under State Protection that are Beneficial or of Important Economic or Scientific Research Value", issued by China's State Forestry Administration on August 1, 2000.

How do you keep a Chinese fire-bellied newt?

1. The Chinese fire-bellied newt is a relatively large pet, so it needs a large glass fish tank. This gives the Chinese fire-bellied newt enough space to move around and also makes it easy for the family to view it.

2. Build a good ecological environment for the Chinese fire-bellied newt. First, spread a layer of clean gravel and small stones on the bottom of the fish tank, and add well water 30 cm deep. Then put in a small amount of hornwort or aquatic plants; the sand and gravel can absorb the droppings and dirt excreted by the Chinese fire-bellied newt, while the aquatic plants can carry out photosynthesis and help increase the dissolved oxygen content in the water.

3. The water used to keep the Chinese fire-bellied newt is best clean pond water. Of course, well water or tap water can also be chosen, but well water and tap water need to be exposed to sunlight for 3 to 5 days to clear the chlorine contained in the water before they can be used to keep the Chinese fire-bellied newt.