Japanese Giant Salamander

オオサンショウウオ · Oosanshouuo

Designated by: National / Special Natural Monument
Designation type: Species
Designated on: June 9, 1951
Prefectures: Gifu Mie Hyogo Tottori Shimane Hiroshima Oita
Scientific name: Andrias japonicus

Designation facts (name, date, location) are compiled from public records by Japanese authorities.

About the Japanese Giant Salamander

The Japanese Giant Salamander is one of the world's largest amphibians and can grow to more than a meter in length. It is nocturnal and hides in rock crevices of clean rivers, feeding on fish, freshwater crabs and other prey. Endemic to Japan, the species is a Special Natural Monument, and habitats in Gifu, Okayama, Oita and elsewhere are also designated Natural Monuments.

Natural Monuments related to the Japanese Giant Salamander →

Map

Designated as a species without a fixed area. Markers show related prefectures.

Frequently asked questions

Japanese Giant Salamander is a Special Natural Monument of Japan (Gifu, Mie, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Hiroshima, Oita). The Japanese Giant…

The Japanese Giant Salamander is designated as a species without a fixed area and lives in places such as Gifu, Mie, Hyogo, Tottori, Shimane, Hiroshima, Oita.

When observing, follow local rules, keep your distance and never feed the animals. Capturing or harming Natural Monuments is prohibited under Japan's Act on Protection of Cultural Properties.