The Hong Kong warty newt

A Hong Kong warty newt is reclining on a piece of rock in an unidentified country park in Shenzhen.

Hong Kong warty

The Hong Kong warty newt (Paramesotriton hongkongensis), a fascinating amphibian initially thought to be exclusive to the ecosystems of Hong Kong, is shrouded in an aura of mystique. Measuring 10 to 15 centimeters long, this small creature is clad in an enchanting blend of colors.

香港瘰螈是一种行踪成谜的两栖动物，普遍被认为是香港的本土原生物种。这种蝾螈身长10~15厘米，体色鲜艳夺目。

Its robust physique, adorned with moist skin, exhibits hues ranging from deep brown to inky black on the upper body. Its underbelly features a fascinating arrangement of vibrant red spots. The distinctive warts on its skin lend the creature its name.

香港瘰螈有着健壮的体格与湿润的皮肤，上半身呈深棕或黑褐色，腹面具橘红或橘黄色圆形斑，体背面及体侧有分散的细小扁平疣粒，因此得名。

Thriving within the country parks of Shenzhen, the Hong Kong warty newt seeks refuge in streams and lush, humid forests. Its preferred habitat includes crystal-clear waters with dense vegetation, abundant rocky outcrops, and fallen logs that provide food and refuge.

在深圳的郊野公园，你可以找到香港瘰螈的踪迹。它们栖息在温暖潮湿的山林溪流中，喜欢水体清澈、植被茂密的水源地，水潭周围的巨石和倒伏的枯木为它们提供了庇护所及食物来源。

This carnivorous amphibian partakes in a diverse diet, including worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, and diminutive mollusks. Equipped with a sticky tongue and powerful jaws, it skillfully captures its prey, helping to control invertebrate populations within its habitat.

这种肉食性的蝾螈以蠕虫、幼体昆虫、甲壳类及小型软体动物为食。它们双颚有力，舌部能够分泌粘液，能够有效地捕获猎物，从而控制所处生境中无脊椎动物的数量。

Primarily nocturnal and semi-terrestrial, it seeks refuge beneath damp rocks and fallen logs by day, evading direct sunlight to prevent dehydration. Under the cloak of night, it ventures into the streams to hunt for food.

香港瘰螈是夜行性、半地栖动物。它们白天的时候隐匿在潮湿的岩石和倒伏的枯木下，避免皮肤长时间接受日照而脱水，直到夜幕降临，方离开藏身地，前往溪流中觅食。

These newts display fascinating reproductive behaviors. Females deposit their eggs by adhering them to submerged plants. The hatchlings emerge as aquatic larvae, undergoing a progressive metamorphosis before maturing into young newts.

香港瘰螈的繁殖行为十分有趣：雌螈在水下产卵，卵包裹在黏液中，能够紧紧地吸附在水生植物的根茎上。卵孵化成为无四肢的幼体，幼体经完全变态发育后，方成为亚成体。

Serving as an indicator species, it reflects the health and vitality of the surrounding habitats. As we uncover the hidden treasures of the city’s wildlife, raising awareness of environmental protection among its citizens becomes essential.

香港瘰螈是重要的环境指示物种，它们的存在，能够反映栖息地的环境处于健康、活跃的状态。这也启示我们在探索这座城市的生态宝藏同时，也要不断思考如何提高公众的环保意识，实现生态可持续发展。

It’s been a pleasant journey with Shenzhen Daily readers. As this column is drawing to a close, I wish that my meager effort has helped enlighten our readers about Shenzhen’s remarkable wildlife species and promote the harmonious coexistence between urban environments and the fragile ecosystems that thrive within them. 

《发现深圳》迄今已在英文《深圳日报》上连载了超过120期，这是一段非常值得回忆的旅程。时值专栏收官之际，希望这长达三年半的连载能够帮助读者了解深圳的野生动物，也能为城市环境与脆弱生态系统和谐共处的思考提供启发。