Kaiser's spotted newt

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Kaiser's spotted newt
Neurergus Kaiseri.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Caudata
Family: Salamandridae
Genus: Neurergus
Species: N. kaiseri
Binomial name
Neurergus kaiseri
Schmidt, 1952
Neurergus kaiseri distribution.png

Neurergus crocatus ssp. kaiseri Schmidt, 1952

Kaiser's spotted newt (Neurergus kaiseri), also known as the Luristan newt or emperor spotted Newt (not to be confused with Tylototriton shanjing), is a species of very colourful salamanders in the Salamandridae family. It is endemic to the southern Zagros Mountains in Iran. It is primarily found in highland streams surrounded by arid scrubland, but can also be found in ponds and pools. Water is absent from its habitat for a significant part of the year, during which this species is known to estivate. It is considered critically endangered due to its tiny range (it inhabits an area of less than 10 km2), continuing habitat loss, and the illegal capture of salamanders for the wild animal trade. In 2008, the wild population was estimated at less than 1000 individuals.[1] However, a new survey in 2014[2] estimates a population of over 9,000 adults, and range estimate that could provide habitat for more than 40,000 Neurergus kaiseri.


The Luristan newt is a candidate for CITES listing. It also has a breeding program involving several European and North American zoos, such as Sedgwick County Zoo. Iran is planning on starting its own breeding program.[3]


  1. ^ Sharifi, M., Papenfuss, T.,Rastegar-Pouyani, N., Anderson, S. & Kuzmin, S. 2009. Neurergus kaiseri. 2014 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 September 2014.
  2. ^ http://www.redlist-arc.org/Article-PDFs/Neurergus%20kaiseri%20range%20and%20distribution.pdf
  3. ^ "Forgotten Species: the fiery Luristan Newt". Jeremy Hance. Mongabay.com. Retrieved 2010-02-14. 

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