Neurergus microspilotus

(Nesterov, 1916)

Vernacular names
English : South Kurdistan newt
French : Triton du Kurdistan

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Some institutions treat this species as a subspecies or even synonym of N. derjugini.

Identification
The species can grow to about 15 cm. Tail is laterally flattened, head is quite big. Coloration is black with irregular but numerous yellow spots on back and flanks. Underside is usually orange to light reddish.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in western Asia and its range is unclear. It is recorded from four streams in Iraq and supposed to occur in the Avroman Mountains at the border of Turkey and Iraq but hasn’t been recorded from there in recent times. Lives in small mountain streams, between 1300 and 1400 meters high.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species is alarmingly declining because of range fragmentation, habitat degradation and pollution. It is known with certainty from only 4 streams in Iraq at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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