December 2026

​Actions

• Prepare an anonymous questionnaire with approximately eight questions. 

1. Have you heard of the Chinese giant salamander?

2. Do you think it is a fish, reptile, mammal, or amphibian?

3. Which habitat does it need?

4. Which human activities threaten it?

5. Would releasing a captive salamander into a stream always help?

6. How important is freshwater protection to you?

7. Which conservation action would you be willing to take?

8. What question do you have about the species?​

• Obtain school and parental approval before surveying children.

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• 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.

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• 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

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• 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.

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December Deliverables

• Approved survey

• Field-observation sheet

• Safety and ethics charter