Giant Salamander Limnospondylus ajimuensis Identified in Japan

Fossil bones of a giant salamander dating to about 3.5 million years ago were uncovered in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Detailed analysis revealed the remains represent a new genus and species, named Limnospondylus ajimuensis, which could reach roughly 1.1 m in length.

The discovery, made at the Ajimu site—the only known locality with both ancient giant salamander fossils and living representatives—adds to the scant record of the family Cryptobranchidae and may inform conservation strategies for extant Japanese giant salamanders.