Japanese Giant Salamander

Hello from the river! I am a Japanese Giant Salamander, and I am one of the biggest amphibians in the whole world. My body is very long, and my skin is a bit wrinkly and bumpy. Some people say I have a giant, smiley mouth! I spend my entire life here in the cool, clear rivers that flow through the mountains of Japan. This is my home, and I love the feeling of the fresh water rushing over my back. It’s the perfect place for a giant salamander like me to live and grow.

My days are usually very quiet. I am super shy, so during the day, I love to hide under big rocks where the water is cool and it feels safe and dark. It’s like having my own secret fort. But when night comes, my tummy starts to rumble, and I know it’s time to find a snack! I don't see very well, so my eyes are not much help in the dark water. Luckily, I have an amazing sense of smell. I use my nose to find yummy fish, frogs, and little bugs to gobble up for dinner. I just follow the scent through the water until I find my meal.

I want to tell you something special about salamander families. Around August each year, we get ready to welcome new babies. We find cozy dens hidden underwater where it’s safe. The female salamanders come and lay their eggs inside. After that, the dad becomes the guard of the den. We call him the 'den master'! He is very brave and stays there to protect all the eggs from any danger. He even uses his tail to fan the eggs, which helps them get enough oxygen from the water to grow big and strong.

My river home is so important to me and all the other creatures who live here. Sometimes, things that people build, like big dams, can change how the river flows. This can make it tricky for us to swim around and find good places to hide. But I have some happy news to share! Back in 1952, the people of Japan decided that we were a 'special natural monument.' That means we are protected, and people know how important we are. By keeping the rivers clean and healthy, everyone can help salamanders like me continue to be the amazing guardians of the river for a long, long time.