The Ezo salamander or Hokkaido salamander (Hynobius retardatus ) is a species of salamander in the family Hynobiidae, endemic to Japan. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, swamps, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, freshwater springs, irrigated land, and canals and ditches.
This salamander feeds on invertebrates like snails and worms. Its larvae meanwhile eats tadpoles of the Hokkaido frog and possibly larvae of Siberian salamanders. Cannibalism is not uncommon when prey items are scarce.
Ezo salamander individuals are traded on the internet as pets. They are also in danger of invasive species.Racoons, who were introduced by humans have been known to have preyed on these salamanders. Meanwhile, the Japanese toad's tadpoles which are toxic, are prey for the larvae of the Ezo salamanders. If the larvae of the salamanders eat them, it will cause fatality. Populations near humans are decreasing due to the modification of wetlands. Construction of houses, roads and farms are also a toll for these populations.
