We hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Fascinating Fauna of China. It was certainly our pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
These few species listed herein represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the world, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.
Marbled Polecat
Marbled Polecat Facts
- Showing first in this article about these 5 Fascinating Fauna of China we give you the intriguing small mammal named the Marbled Polecat.
- The unusual term serves as the most frequently used common name for this intriguing product of Nature and evolution. It does have at least one other english language title, though. Though less often used, it’s sometimes called the tiger weasel.
- In many parts of its range, however, it’s known by various titles in different languages. Some of these include putois de Pologne, in French, and Tigeriltis in German, just to name a few. Regardless of which of these one uses, it remains a fascinating animal.
- Within scientific circles, though, it’s much better known by its technical name. Fortunately, that’s a relatively easy term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because this distinctive member of its genus holds the official title of Vormela peregusna.
- The creature received that name due to the efforts of the Baltic German naturalist and explorer, Johann Anton Güldenstädt. He accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. That noteworthy event occurred in 1770.
- Sadly, the population of the Marbled Polecat has declined sharply in recent decades. That truly lamentable fact further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN therefore presently lists it as Vulnerable on its Red List.
- The primary cause of this sigificant and ongoing reduction in its numbers seems to habitat loss. A reduction in available prey due to human activities also appears to factor in as well. Now, of course, the marvel faces the growing threat posed by climate change.
Marbled Polecat Physical Description
The beautiful Marbled Polecat possesses its own type of charm for those who encounter the creature. The animal exudes that charm, though, due more to its visual appeal than sheer physical size. That’s true since it’s moderately small compared to some of its many relatives.
LIke most of them, however, it also displays a certain degree of the physiological trait known as sexual dimorphism. In the case of this particular animal, that trait manifest itself in terms of dimensions. More precisely, the female remains smaller than their male counterpart.
That difference in terms of overall size remains minor, though. Both genders attain approximately the same head and body length. Females of the species tend to weight slightly less though, having a slightly thinner shape. Yet, exceptional individuals do occur.
The head and body length of both sexes averages 11.4 – 13.8 in (29 – 35 cm). The fluffy tail, meanwhile, typically adds an extra 5.1 – 8.7 in (13 – 22 cm). Males range in weight from 11.3 – 25.2 oz (295 – 600 gms). Shoulder heights for both equals 5.1 – 6.3 in (13 – 16 cm).
But it’s the coloring of the Marbled Polecat that’s its most appealing feature. The back presents a background of yellow, covered with a heavy mottline of irregular reddish-brown spots. The underside, though, shows a dark brown in all areas. The tail is brown and yellow.
The comparatively large ears represent yet another highly noticeable characteristic, however. It also has a shorter muzzle than many of its kindred. Its limbs develop as short, leaving its body close to the ground. It also shows a black and white face, and has long, strong claws.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mustelidae
- Genus: Vormela
- Species: V. peregusna
Marbled Polecat Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The beautiful Marbled Polecat appears to have evolved as native to an extremely broad swathe of the globe. The full extent of that zone of habitation might surprise you, though. That’s true since it appears from southeast Europe to Russia and certain portions of Asia.
In Europe, that range includes such countries as Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Romania. From there, its territorial range extends through Turkey, Asia Minor, and Lebanon. Yet the resourceful mammal also makes its home in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China.
The mammal is principally adapted to a specific type of habitat. The vast majority of its population appears in regions of either semidesert, open desert, and semiarid rocky regions. Many specimens also make their homes in areas consisting of steppe country.
As a general principle, the animal avoids higher altitudes. It does, however, live in various upland valleys and lower ranges of hills. The amazing species does display some adaptability, though. A small percentage of its numbers also live in arid subtropical scrub forests.
Like its relatives, the Marbled Polecat feeds primarily as a predator, though it does consume small quantities of vegetation. It’s mainly active during the morning and evening. Though it has weak eyesight, it has a keen sense of smell, enabling it to easily find its prey.
The small but efficient predator hunts a wide variety of smaller creatures. These include such species as voles, hamsters, ground squirrels, frogs, lizards, and numerous insects. It additionally compliments this fare with small amounts of various fruits and grasses.
Chinese Giant Salamander
Chinese Giant Salamander Facts
- Next up in this compilation of 5 Fascinating Fauna of China is the astounding amphibian bearing the deserved title of the Chinese Giant Salamander.
- This astonishing work of evolution bears the informative, as well as accurate, common name for the fully obvious reasons. It also bears another, more difficult to pronounce name. That’s because it holds the scientific name of the Andrias davidianus.
- It owes this term to the highly respected French zoologist and entomologist Charles Émile Blanchard. This researcher made the first known formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This scientifically notable event occurred in 1871.
- For the moment, however, it also serves as the focus of ongoing and scientific debate. That’s due to recent DNA research. A 2018 study revealed that several subspecies of the remarkable creature may in fact exist. This would complicate its classification.
- It holds several distinctions in the annals of science, in fact. The first’s a positive one, of sorts. That’s because it’s presently the largest of all known amphibians. The second, however, isn’t as fortunate. It also remains among the most threatened.
- Therefore, the IUCN lists it on the organizations’ Red List of Threatened Species. On that list, it holds the regrettable status of Critically Endangered. It currently faces several threats to its existence, including habitat loss and human consumption.
- Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, it also faces one more danger. The Chinese Giant Salamander now finds itself facing yet another factor augmenting these perils. That, of course, is the ever increasing concern of the ongoing effects of climate change.
Chinese Giant Salamander Physical Description
The most readily noticeable aspect of the aptly-named Chinese Giant Salamander has to be its sheer size. It easily earns its spot as the largest of all known amphibians. Unlike some of its kin, though, this species generally displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.
The lone known exception to this somewhat uncommon fact occurs during mating season. That’s because, at that time, certain glands of the males swell temporarily. With that sole exception, the two genders remain virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Specimens of both sexes, more precisely, frequently grow to relatively enormous sizes, as the name implies. A mature individual attains an average length of roughly 3.8 ft (1.16 m). These same specimens average a body weight of about 55 – 66 lb (24.9 – 29.9 kg).
Exceptional specimens do often occur, however. In point of fact, some attain lengths of as much as 5.9 ft (1.8 m). The weight of these same creatures sometimes equals a much as 130 lb (59 kg). The Chinese Giant Salamander clearly earns its common name.
Its also has a startling, wrinkly appearance. In color, it usually presents a dark brown, with a speckled or mottled pattern present. Some, though, can be dark brown, reddish, or even black. The creature further has a large head, wide mouth, and small, lidless eyes.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Urodela
- Family: Cryptobranchidae
- Genus: Andrias
- Species: A. davidianus
Chinese Giant Salamander Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The very name of the awesome Chinese Giant Salamander obviously provides a clue to its native range. The magnificent creature lives only in the portion of Asia that now forms the country of China. Even there, though, its locality remains somewhat limited.
Previously, the wonder of Nature seemed to be widespread throughout southern, southwest, and central China. Now, however, that range appears to be highly broken. The known populations appear from Qinghai to Jiangsu, to Guangxi, Guangdong, and Sichuan.
The greatest known concentrations further appear within three large river basin regions in the area. These consist of the Pearl River, the Yellow River, and the Yangtze. Yet another small population of these giant amphibians potentially exists in the Tibetan Plateau.
It also seems to have a preference for certain altitudes, where its choice of habitat is concerned. That’s due to the fact that most specimens appear at altitudes between 300 – 4,900 ft (100 – 1,500 m). One exception, though, is a grouping living at 13,800 ft (4,200 m).
This remarkable animal evolved as entirely aquatic in nature. Individuals mainly live in lakes with clear water, and rocky streams in the hills. In these locations, most make their home along the banks, typically in regions where dark, rocky crevices line those banks.
The Chinese Giant Salamander, like most of its kind, evolved as a carnivore. Its known prey consists of various local species. These include millipedes, insects, freshwater crabs, fish, and even small shrews. This natural wonder itself has no known natural predators.
Golden Pheasant
Golden Pheasant Facts
- Our next selection for inclusion in this gathering of these 5 Fascinating Fauna of China is the breathtaking avian named the Golden Pheasant.
- The attention-grabbing term applied in this article represents the most frequently used common name for this gorgeous bird. It does have other general titles, though. These include such terms as the rainbow pheasant and the chinese pheasant.
- Within the scientific community, however, it’s typically better known by its formal title. But, as often holds true in such situations, that’s a difficult term for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because it holds the technical moniker of Chrysolophus pictus.
- The animal received that name due to the efforts of the esteemed Swedish zoologist, Carl Linnaeus. He accomplished the first official recognition of the bird as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy event occurred in 1758.
- Fortunately, the stunning Golden Pheasant appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. That pleasant situation also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN thus lists it as Least Concern.
- The beautiful creature nevertheless faces some potential threats to its continued existence as a species, at least. Most of these stem from the actions of man. They include such possible dangers as habitat loss, and, of course, ongoing climate change.
Golden Pheasant Physical Description
The magnificent Golden Pheasant quickly piques the interest of most individuals who encounter one. Unlike some species, though, it does so for more than one reason. That’s true since it’s not only a remarkable beauty, but also boasts a respectable size.
It further follows a pattern common to many animal in this regard. That’s because, like many other species, it displays a certain degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, that trait manifests itself in both size and appearance.
Males generally attain a significantly greater size than their female counterparts. These reach a total maximum known length equaling approximately 41 in (105 cm). Of this length, though, the visually distinctive tail accounts for about two-thirds of the total!
Females, meanwhile, usually only grow to between 24 – 31 in (60 – 80 cm) in length. Like the males, the tail also equals a large portion of this. Yet, in her case, the percentage is quite different. For the female, the tail remains proportionately shorter, at half the overall length.
Masses naturally differ, given the size variation. Males generally weigh around 1.1 – 1.5 lb (500 – 700 g). The females of the animal typically measure about 0.77 lb (350 g). Exceptional individual specimens of both genders, in both respects, do occur, however.
The coloring of the two genders of the Golden Pheasant additionally vary significantly. Makes present a characteristic golden crest and rump. The bulk of the body shows a deep red hue. A deep orange cape also appears, that often covers the much of the face.
In sharp contrast, the plumage of the female presents as vastly different. These typically present as a primarily mottled brown in color. Examples of both sexes of this amazing species possess yellow bills and legs. Seen together, the pair make for a remarkable sight.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
- Genus: Chrysolophus
- Species: C. pictus
Golden Pheasant Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The mesmerizing Golden Pheasant evolved as native to only a moderate section of the globe. There, however, it blended in well with the abundance of other biological wonders present. That’s due to the fact it developed as endemic to a portion of the continent of Asia.
More precisely, this marvel of evolution lives natively within the borders of China. Yet, even there it only naturally appears in the western regions. Now, though, wild populations, through the actions of man, live in many countries, including the United States and France.
Regardless of where it lives, the bird displays the same decidedly strong preferences in its choice of habitat. That evolutionary trait holds true for the above-mentioned locations, as well as all other regions where it’s now been artificially established.
It’s most highly preferred type of habitat seems to be relatively dense regions of coniferous forests. Some do, however, make their homes in areas of mixed forests with a thick concentration of shrubs. It also demonstrates a clear preference for mountainous areas.
The Golden Pheasant evolved as omnivorous in nature. It feeds during the day, choosing to roost at night in the trees. It consumes a variety of leaves and grains, as well as smaller invertebrates. The avian also prefers to find its food on the ground, rather than in the trees.
Breeding season usually occurs in the month of April After mating, females of the species typically lay between 8 – 12 eggs at a time. An average incubation period for these lasts between 22 – 23 days. In the wild, an average lifespan measures about 5 – 6 years.
Vietnamese Mossy Frog
Vietnamese Mossy Frog Facts
- Appearing in this fourth spot in this listing of 5 Fascinating Fauna of China we present the distinctive Vietnamese Mossy Frog.
- The simultaneously descriptive and accurate term for this natural wonder serves as one of the common names for a remarkable amphibian. This marvel of Nature also goes by alternate names, though, including the mossy frog, and Tonkin bug-eyed frog.
- Its official scientific name, however, isn’t easy to pronounce. That remains that of the tongue-twisting Theloderma corticale. But by either of these names, this amazing animal represents yet another masterpiece of evolution in the minds of many people.
- Quite fortunately, this marvel of Nature appears to be maintaining a sufficient and stable population base. This further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range. Yet, while its numbers appear stable, it nonetheless has a limited range.
- But, despite the limitations this imposes, the IUCN currently list the Vietnamese Mossy Frog as Least Concern. This status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. This presently pleasant situation remains subject to change, however.
- That’s due to the fact that it now faces several threats to its existence. Loss of habitat, due to deforestation, obviously poses a serious danger, along with the international pet trade, regrettably. Its greatest threat, though, likely consists of climate change.
Vietnamese Mossy Frog Physical Description
The incredible Vietnamese Mossy Frog attains its relative fame due to characteristics other than its sheer size. Its most notable feature, as the name itself suggests, is the presence of a dense collection of protuberances and tubercules over most of its body.
The combined effect serves as the source of its most frequently used common name. Its coloring also plays a role in that naming, however. The skin of the creature generally shows a background of green, with various colored spots and markings added to the mix.
Such an astonishing combination of natural factors makes the animal strongly resemble a clump of moss. Given its natural habitat, this provides it with a highly effective degree of natural camouflage. In fact, it’s almost impossible to spot individuals in the wild.
But speaking purely in terms of size, the Vietnamese Mossy Frog remains an average-size amphibian. It further displays a slight degree of sexual dimorphism. Overall, it averages 3.5 in (8.9 cm) in length, with females being slightly larger than the males.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Rhacophoridae
- Genus: Theloderma
- Species: T. corticale
Vietnamese Mossy Frog Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite sadly for those who appreciate the wonders of Nature, the Vietnamese Mossy Frog only inhabits a small area of the world. More precisely, as the name implies, it mainly exists in the northern portions of the country of Vietnam, in Asia.
Reports of small populations in other regions also exist, though. These other regions include the province of Hainan, in China, and possibly Laos. Wherever the animal makes an appearance, though, it displays decided preferences for its choice of habitat.
Being semi-aquatic in nature, it requires a nearby source of water. But that’s only the beginning. Very specifically, the amphibian has only been seen on the banks of mountain streams, at elevations of approximately 3,000 ft (9.842 ft), or in flooded caves.
This truly fascinating animal evolved, like many of its brethren, as nocturnal in nature. It’s also fully insectivorous in its dietary habits. The frog primarily consumes larger insects, such as crickets, cockroaches, and moths, but will feed opportunistically.
The breeding patterns of the Vietnamese Mossy Frog also seems to be quite specific. This mainly takes place in partially flooded rock cavities. The female typically lays a clutch of 8 – 10 eggs, placed above the water. These generally hatch over a period of 7 – 14 days.
After hatching, the newborn instinctively quickly drop into the water below them. The ensuing metamorphosis from tadpole into frog typically requires around 3 months. The exact lifespan in the wild remains unknown, but estimates place it at 10 years.
Yellow Throated Marten
Yellow Throated Marten Facts
- Closing out this compendium of these 5 Fascinating Fauna of China comes the distinctive creature appropriately named the Yellow Throated Marten.
- For reasons that appear readily apparent, this colorful creature most frequently goes by the common name that we choose to employ here. That’s the english language term for the mammal, though. It’s also known by the names of kharza and chuthraul.
- Professional scientists, however, such as researchers, tend to use the official scientific name for the animal when referring to it. Fortunately, it’s a comparatively simple term, as such go. That’s because its formal name in technical circles is Martes flavigula.
- The first recorded recognition of the intriguing creature as a separate and distinct species, though, occurred back in 1785. The Dutch naturalist and physician, Pieter Boddaert, holds the distinction of achieving this noteworthy accomplishment.
- Regardless of which term one chooses to employ, though, it’s a truly remarkable and visually impressive species. It also holds yet another distinction. That’s due to the fact that it constitutes the largest known variety of marten in its native habitation range.
- Fortunately, the Yellow Throated Marten appears to be maintaining a population base that’s both sufficient and stable. This also seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, list it as Least Concern on its Red List.
- The remarkable creation of Nature nevertheless faces several potential threats to its existence, at least. Habitat loss understandably forms a possible danger, due to the expansion of man. Climate change, however, also poses a potential threat to it.
Yellow Throated Marten Physical Description
It bears noting that the gorgeous Yellow Throated Marten deserves appreciation for characteristics other than its sheer visual appeal. That trait, however, nevertheless merits its own attention and mention, of course. It’s also an impressively large variety of marten.
Like many other mammals, though, it displays a moderate degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, however, this gender based difference manifests in terms of physical size, not overall appearance of the animal.
More specifically, the males of the species typically attain a greater size than their female counterparts. This tendency follows the more common pattern among mammals, inlcuding the other known species of marten. Moreover, this includes both weight and length.
Weights, however, frequently vary quite significantly, typically due to various local environmental factors. Males generally reach an average weight that ranges from roughly 5.5 – 12. 6 lb (2.5 – 5.7 kg). Females, though, only average about 3.5 – 8.4 lb (1.6 – 3.8 kg).
Males of the species also average about 19.7 – 28.3 in (50 – 72 cm) in terms of body length. Their female counterparts, meanwhile, reach average lengths of around 20 – 24 in (50 – 62 cm). The tail also grows to as much as 65% of the length of the body.
It’s the color pattern of the aptly-named Yellow Throated Marten that garners the most attention, though. Much of the body and neck develop the stunning yellw hue. The elongated face, legs, and tail, meanwhile, generally display a black or dark brown shade.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Mustelidae
- Genus: Martes
- Species: M. flavigula
Yellow Throated Marten Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Fortunately, both for the Yellow Throated Marten itself, and those of us who appreciate Nature, it evolved as native to a moderately broad swathe of the globe. That’s due to the fact that this marvel of evolutionary processes evolved as native to part of Asia.
Moe precisely, though, this fascinating mammal appears to inhabit a broad section of the southern portion of that remarkable continent. There, it appears in such countries as Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, and Taiwan, to name a few.
The animal also evolved as highly flexible in its choice of habitat. That trait, in fact, continues to serve it well. Due to this versatility, it appears in a wide range of ecosystems. These include such regions as lowland swamps, alpine meadows, and forests.
Along with this pattern of habitation comes an impressive adaptability to altitudes as well as other, related conditions. In some portions of its range, including Nepal, it lives at truly impressive altitudes. There, some individuals appear at up to 14,800 ft (4,510 m)!
Though primarily carnivorous, it occasionally supplements its diet with small quantities of plant matter, such as fruit and nectar. It mainly feeds on various animal prey, though. That prey generally consists of smaller creatures, such as lizards, snakes, and mice.
The Yellow Throated Marten typically hunts as a diurnal animal, and further most often does so in pairs. Hunting parties of three or more sometimes form, however. It also feeds opportunistically on carrion, often consuming the leavings of larger hunters, like tigers.
5 Fascinating Fauna of China
We hope that each of you enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Fascinating Fauna of China. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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