Endangered: Rare 200-Year-Old Giant Salamander Found In Chinese Cave

"Their populations have declined more than 80 percent since 1960 primarily due to over-harvesting by humans and wide scale habitat destruction". Fortunately organizations like the Zoological Society of London are spearheading efforts to conserve the Chinese giant salamander in China.

Scientific discoveries are sometimes truly unbelievable when it comes to the animal reign and now a giant, ancient salamander was found in China.

The Chinese giant salamander, or Andrias davidianus, was discovered in a cave by a fisherman, who then contacted the authorities.

Update (2:46 GMT, December 17): Initial reports suggested this slimy cave-dweller could have been pushing 200 years old.

The salamander has been transferred to a special research facility for study and protection. Hard to believe. But according to the news site People's Daily Online, a giant salamander found in a cave in Chongqing, southwest China, would be more than 200-year-old.

The specimen weighs 114 pounds and is over 4.5 feet long, but other of its kind can reach up to 6 feet. Experts in the field suggest that this salamander is estimated to be more than 200 years old. The species it is part of is called Andrias davidianus and it is known as the biggest amphibian on Earth.

A CCTV News video of the salamander has been viewed more than 472,000 times on YouTube since it was posted last week. Pollution is one of the causes of this species' becoming endangered. The oldest are usually around 80 years.

The Chinese giant salamander is listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which includes trade of species only under exception, but has no jurisdiction over domestic trade within China - the primary market for endangered species used medicinally. Scientists said the finding of the giant salamander is crucial if the animal likely has not been found around since the Battle of Waterloo.