Using local ecological knowledge to assess the status of the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus in Guizhou Province, China Y UAN P AN ,G ANG W EI ,A NDREW A. C UNNINGHAM ,S HIZE L I ,S HU C HEN

摘要: The Critically Endangered Chinese giant sala- mander Andrias davidianus, the world's largest amphibian, is severely threatened by unsustainable exploitation of wild individuals. However, field data with which to assess sal- amander's status, population trends, or across its geographical range are limited, and recent surveys using standard ecological techniques have typically failed detect We conducted com- munity-based fieldwork in three national nature reserves (Fanjingshan, Leigongshan Mayanghe) Guizhou Province, China, whether local knowl- edge constitutes a useful tool for salamander conservation. collected sample dated sighting records associated from these comparative as- sessment relative status populations region. Although Fanjingshan still priority sites conservation, few re- cent sightings were recorded either reserve, respon- dents considered that salamanders had declined locally at both reserves. species may already be functionally ex- tinct Mayanghe. respondent on threats more difficult inter- pret, overharvesting was most commonly suggested explanation declines, it likely growing farming industry primary driver extraction Guizhou's Questionnaire-based can collect novel quantitative datathatprovideunique insightsintothelocalstatusofsala- populations, we advocate wide-scale incorpor- ation this research approach into future