December 2026

Prepare an anonymous questionnaire with approximately eight questions. Suitable questions include:

Have you heard of the Chinese giant salamander?
Do you think it is a fish, reptile, mammal, or amphibian?
Which habitat does it need?
Which human activities threaten it?
Would releasing a captive salamander into a stream always help?
How important is freshwater protection to you?
Which conservation action would you be willing to take?
What question do you have about the species?

Obtain school and parental approval before surveying children.

Local freshwater observation

With an adult and site permission, choose one accessible stream, pond, wetland park, or riverbank. The site can serve as a local example of freshwater-habitat health even when giant salamanders do not live there.

Create a fixed observation sheet covering:
- Date and time
- Weather
- Water appearance
- Visible litter
- Algae
- Odor
- Nearby construction
- Vegetation along the bank
- Birds, insects, fish, frogs, or other visible wildlife
- Number of visitors
- Photographs from the same safe observation points
Create a signed project charter:

Never handle amphibians or other wildlife.
Never enter caves or fast-moving water.
Never publish the location of a rare animal.
Never release captive animals.
Never collect biological samples without permission.
Disinfect approved field equipment between sites under expert direction.
Keep participants’ identities private.
Report unexpected wildlife sightings to an adult and relevant professionals.

December deliverables

Approved survey
Field-observation sheet
Safety and ethics charter