On September 21, rangers from the Mount Fanjing National Nature Reserve in southwest China's Guizhou Province made an unexpected discovery during a field patrol: a tailed amphibian with yellowish-brown spots on its back. After expert identification on October 23, the species was confirmed as Guizhou salamander (Pseudohynobius guizhouensis), which is endemic to China and a national second-class key protected wildlife species. This marks the first recorded sighting of the species within Mount Fanjing, updating the number of national key protected wildlife species in the reserve to 81.

Adult male Guizhou salamanders measure 176-184 millimeters in total length, while females range from 157.1-203.4 millimeters. They typically inhabit mountainous areas at elevations of 1,400-2,100 meters, with juveniles often found in backwater sections of mountain streams.

Classified as a national second-class protected species in China's National Key Protected Wildlife List in 2021, the salamander is also listed in the China Biodiversity Red List – Vertebrates Volume with an endangered (EN) status, primarily due to its narrow distribution and small population size.

"The discovery of Guizhou salamanders in Mount Fanjing not only updates the regional biodiversity records but also confirms the integrity of the ecosystem in Mount Fanjing, a World Natural Heritage site," said Ren Xiaoli, director of the Mount Fanjing National Nature Reserve Administration.