Tiny new life in Hong Kong streams now

You will need to look carefully, as these adorable creatures are less than 1cm long.

These are the young of the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis). Other Common Names include: Hong Kong Warty Newt, Ridge Back Newt, or Giant Firebelly.

The picture below gives you an idea of scale...next to a leaf on the left.

Hong Kong newts breed in streams and pools during the wintery season from September to March. The larvae - ie baby newts - seen here, have feathery gills, which disappear after they turn into adults.

As we move into spring newly hatched and emerging animals will be appearing everywhere, so sign up and check back for future baby posts!