On July 17, 2024, Xinjiang Salamander Rescue and Breeding Center, integrating functions such as rescue and breeding, scientific research and teaching, publicity and education, as well as exchange and cooperation, was completed and put into operation. This is currently the largest rescue and breeding center of Xinjiang salamander in Xinjiang.

Photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows a staff member working in the artificial hatching room of the Xinjiang Salamander Rescue and Breeding Center. (Photo by Si Ya’e)

The Xinjiang Salamander Rescue and Breeding Center is situated in Wenquan County, encompassing a 500-square-meter area. It is equipped with indoor and outdoor artificial hatching pools as well as breeding laboratories. These newly constructed facilities, accompanied by recently invested breeding equipment, monitoring devices, and experimental apparatus, constitutes a comprehensive scientific system for the rescue and breeding efforts. They provide the necessary infrastructure to enhance the capabilities of the Xinjiang Salamander National Nature Reserve in terms of artificial breeding, rescue operations, scientific research, and monitoring pertaining to the Xinjiang salamander while simultaneously exploring their fundamental life principles.

"In recent years, through the implementation of habitat restoration measures, effective monitoring and early warning systems, artificial breeding programs, and technological education initiatives, the population of Xinjiang salamander has exhibited a steady increase. Presently, there are six natural habitats supporting a thriving population of over 3,000 Xinjiang salamanders," stated Si Ya’e, deputy director of the management station of the Xinjiang Salamander National Nature Reserve. The establishment of the newly inaugurated Xinjiang Salamander Rescue and Breeding Center will significantly contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in Xinjiang while bolstering scientific protection and management efforts for the population of Xinjiang salamanders.

In recent years, the management station of the Xinjiang Salamander National Nature Reserve has undertaken efforts to enhance the conservation of the Xinjiang salamanders by establishing a scientifically rigorous, comprehensive, and standardized research monitoring system. This includes constructing a dedicated research and education center for the species, implementing an integrated information management platform, and deploying high-definition infrared cameras within the reserve to enable real-time monitoring of their survival status. Furthermore, an artificial hatching exhibition room has been established with remarkable success rates exceeding 99%, resulting in over 200 individuals successfully hatched and exhibiting a survival rate surpassing 90%.

Xinjiang salamander is a relic species with a history dating back 350 million years. It represents the sole surviving tailed amphibian in Xinjiang and is predominantly distributed in the upper reaches of the Bortala River system within the mountainous western region of Wenquan County.

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