Shaanxi Salamander

Liua tsinpaensis adult total length ranges from 125-136 mm, with SVL 64-68 mm. Head is round and flat, of equal length and width. No labial fold. Vomerine teeth short, with 7-10 on each side. Body is cylindrical in shape and covered with smooth skin. 13 costal grooves are present. Tips of forelimb and hindlimb toes touch when limbs are adpressed to the flank. There are four unwebbed toes on each forelimb and five unwebbed toes on each hindlimb. Tail is shorter than SVL length, thick and flattened. Tailfin fold is only noticeable at the pointy tip of the tail (Fei and Ye 2000). For adult salamanders, gold and dark brown interweave dorsally to create irregular, cloudlike patterns. Brown ventral side is sporadically blotted with tiny white dots (Fei and Ye 2000). Liua tsinpaensis larvae have a light brown head and dorsum, with black blotches and patterns. Tail fin fold displays various sized black patches. Flank is silverish white in color, and ventrum is completely white. Limbs are light brown. Toes on both forelimbs and hindlimbs are black at the tips (Fei and Ye 2000).

Found in China, in the provinces of Sichuan (Wanyuan County), and Shaanxi (Zhouzhi and Ningshaan Counties). It is known only from three locations. This species is found in mountain ranges at 1700 m above sea level. During the day Liua tsinpaensis hides under rocks near mountain creeks (Fei and Ye 2000).

Breeding occurs in the mouth of montane streams and larval development takes place in the water (IUCN 2008). Oviposition occurs during May and June. The female lays a pair of egg sacs, with 6-11 eggs in each egg sac, 13 - 20 eggs in total. The egg case in its natural folded position measures 39-79 mm in length, 122-195 mm when stretched out, and 10-11 mm in diameter. Eggs are oval-shaped, 5 mm in diameter, and light gray in coloration. Larvae go through metamorphosis when they reach 60 mm in length (Fei and Ye 2000).This species is rare (Fei and Ye 2000).

Threatened by collection for food and medicine, and habitat loss and degradation due to increased agriculture. This species occurs within two protected areas, Taibaishan National Nature Reserve and Zhouzhi National Nature Reserve (IUCN 2008).

Liua tsinpaensis, the Tsinpa salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Hynobiidae. It is synonymous with Ranodon tsinpaensis and is endemic to China. It occurs in southern Shaanxi (Zhouzhi County and Ningshan County) and in Wanyuan, northeastern Sichuan. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.