We studied oviposition sites and their effects on the reproductive success of the Chinhai salamander (Echinotriton chinhaiensis) .The results showed that: (1) the female had strong preferences for spawning sites and oviposition microhabitat; (2) the most suitable oviposition sites were 30 cm higher than water level and 45 cm from the water body; (3) oviposition sites usually overlapped;(4) embryos could develop and hatch normally in water as well as on land. The hatching rate on land was high (94 3%), but the number of hatchlings that successfully migrated to water was low (52%±11%, n =3 in the laboratory, and approximatly 20% in nature). Based on the situation in laboratory, the average hatchling survival rate at all oviposition sites was 36 7%. Owing to oviposition on land, the reproductive success of Chinhai salamander was very low;(5) protecting the spawning sites and increasing the hatchling survival rate are the keys to conserving this species.
