Hynobius yiwuensis and their eggs in a river in Zhoushan. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsrbs]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province recently saved 10 precious Hynobius yiwuensis, local media reported on Dec 14.

These fish were discovered by road construction workers while they were working in Changchunling village, Dinghai district. They initially mistook the Hynobius yiwuensis for another wildlife giant salamander.

"Giant salamander and Hynobius yiwuensis are different species and have different eyes and limbs," said Wang Fangbin, head of the maritime administrative law enforcement squadron in Dinghai.

"The eggs found in the gutter are also different from that of giant salamanders," added Wang. "Therefore, we concluded that these are Hynobius yiwuensis."

The law enforcement workers immediately transferred the Hynobius yiwuensis and their eggs and to a safer river.

Wang said it is quite rare to spot more than 10 Hynobius yiwuensis at a time.

"Although it is rare, we've spotted Hynobius yiwuensis many times," noted Wang. "Hynobius yiwuensis are very particular about the water quality and temperature of their habitait. This sighting proves that Zhoushan has a good natural environment."

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed Hynobius yiwuensis as an almost endangered species while China has rated it as vulnerable species. The Hynobius yiwuensis has only been found in a few areas in Zhejiang, including Yiwu, Xiaoshan and Zhoushan.

According to the results of a biodiversity survey conducted in Zhoushan in May, the city is home to more than 1,000 Hynobius yiwuensis living in four areas. Experts said that it is possible that Zhoushan has the largest number of wild Hynobius yiwuensis in Zhejiang.