A fisherman in a cave outside Chongqing in southwestern China stepped on something “soft” and “slimy,” and also rare, as it turns out. Wang Yong discovered a Chinese giant salamander that is estimated to be 200 years old, according to reports by CCTV, RT.com and UPI. The giant salamander, often described as a “living fossil,” is 4 1/2-feet long, weighs 104 pounds, and is currently in the care of conservationists at a nature preserve. CCTV posted video of the giant salamander, which is the world’s largest and oldest amphibian.
200-year-old giant salamander discovered by fisherman in a Chinese cave
