Luristan Newt
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Order: Caudata
Family: Salamandridae
The Salamandridae (commonly referred to as the “true newts and fire salamanders”) is a family of around 74 species that diverged from all other salamander lineages around 200 million years, at the end of the Triassic period. This family of salamanders evolved at the feet of the dinosaurs, arising 30 million years after the origin of the dinosaurs and 135 million years before their eventual extinction. There are 59 species of newt in this family, which form the subfamily Pleurodelinae. The remaining salamander species form the subfamily Salamandrinae, and these tow subgroups diverged around 48 million years ago, which in terms of mammalian evolution makes them as dissimilar as chinchillas and porcupines. The true newts and fire salamanders are today distributed across Europe, Asia and North America, and have the largest range of any salamander family.
All salamandrids have toxic skin secretions, and newts are highly poisonous in all stages of their life history. The skin secretions of the California newt (Taricha torosa) are among the most toxic substances known to man. Many salamandrids have bright colours and markings that serve as warnings of their toxicity and may be used in defensive displays. The males of many species within this family have also been observed performing elaborate courtship displays to entice the female into mating. Unusually in amphibians, females of some species within this family retain fertilised eggs within their body and give birth to live young (e.g. Lyciasalamandra – the genus of Luschan's salamander, EDGE rank 35) – although egg laying is known to be the ancestral state from which this curious trait evolved. Another bizarre modification found in the salamandrids is the reduction or loss of lungs in several genera that evolved from species with lungs. Outside of the Plethodontidae (the “lungless salamanders” family), these salamandrids are some of the only amphibians to have lost their lungs.
The Luristan newt is a member of the Pleurodelinae subfamily. It is the smallest of four species in the genus Neurergus, all of which are distributed around Turkey and Iran. It has toxic skin secretions, as is indicated by it highly distinctive “warning” colouration, and they produce a bitter odour if disturbed. Males perform a “tail fanning” courtship dance for females prior to mating, whereby the tail is undulated in front of the female’s face.
All salamandrids have toxic skin secretions, and newts are highly poisonous in all stages of their life history. The skin secretions of the California newt (Taricha torosa) are among the most toxic substances known to man. Many salamandrids have bright colours and markings that serve as warnings of their toxicity and may be used in defensive displays. The males of many species within this family have also been observed performing elaborate courtship displays to entice the female into mating. Unusually in amphibians, females of some species within this family retain fertilised eggs within their body and give birth to live young (e.g. Lyciasalamandra – the genus of Luschan's salamander, EDGE rank 35) – although egg laying is known to be the ancestral state from which this curious trait evolved. Another bizarre modification found in the salamandrids is the reduction or loss of lungs in several genera that evolved from species with lungs. Outside of the Plethodontidae (the “lungless salamanders” family), these salamandrids are some of the only amphibians to have lost their lungs.
The Luristan newt is a member of the Pleurodelinae subfamily. It is the smallest of four species in the genus Neurergus, all of which are distributed around Turkey and Iran. It has toxic skin secretions, as is indicated by it highly distinctive “warning” colouration, and they produce a bitter odour if disturbed. Males perform a “tail fanning” courtship dance for females prior to mating, whereby the tail is undulated in front of the female’s face.
The Luristan newt is a moderately small species, reaching a total length of only 100 mm. The colouration of the dorsal (or upper) surface is a unique and spectacular mosaic of black and white patches with an orange-red stripe running down the centre of the back and tail, and orange-red markings on the arms, legs and belly. The body is somewhat flattened and the head has a pointed snout and large, prominent eyes. The juveniles start to develop the striking markings of the adults quite early on. Because they are aquatic (or water-dwelling) prior to metamorphosis, they possess large, feathery gills.
When active, the Luristan newt remains exclusively in the water in spring-fed streams. However, during the winter dormancy period, this species is found above the high-water mark under rocks in the ground.
Courtship activities are unusual for salamandrids like this species, which lives to flowing water. The Luristan newt’s courting behaviours is in fact more similar to those of alpine newts (Triturus), which inhabit still water. The male assumes a tail-waving posture in front of the female, whereby he undulates his tail as she stands watching. Despite this lengthy and alluring display, there is no body contact and sperm is delivered in the form of a “spermatophore” or sperm packet.
Small eggs are laid in the water, probably beneath rocks. The larvae are adapted to flowing water habitats in that they have a conspicuously long tail, which helps them to swim against strong currents. They develop for about a year prior to metamorphosis, spending their first winter in water. In two close relatives of this species, the Anatolia newt (Neurergus strauchii) in southwest Turkey and Lake Urmia newt (Neurergus crocatus) of Iran, fairly large eggs are produced which develop without parental care, such as egg guarding.
This species has defences against potential predators in the form of toxic skin secretions and they produce a bitter odour if disturbed. Their striking appearance is the result of “warning” colouration, which is where a species is brightly and distinctively coloured to warn predators that they are dangerous and inedible (e.g. the black and yellow stripes of a wasp).
Courtship activities are unusual for salamandrids like this species, which lives to flowing water. The Luristan newt’s courting behaviours is in fact more similar to those of alpine newts (Triturus), which inhabit still water. The male assumes a tail-waving posture in front of the female, whereby he undulates his tail as she stands watching. Despite this lengthy and alluring display, there is no body contact and sperm is delivered in the form of a “spermatophore” or sperm packet.
Small eggs are laid in the water, probably beneath rocks. The larvae are adapted to flowing water habitats in that they have a conspicuously long tail, which helps them to swim against strong currents. They develop for about a year prior to metamorphosis, spending their first winter in water. In two close relatives of this species, the Anatolia newt (Neurergus strauchii) in southwest Turkey and Lake Urmia newt (Neurergus crocatus) of Iran, fairly large eggs are produced which develop without parental care, such as egg guarding.
This species has defences against potential predators in the form of toxic skin secretions and they produce a bitter odour if disturbed. Their striking appearance is the result of “warning” colouration, which is where a species is brightly and distinctively coloured to warn predators that they are dangerous and inedible (e.g. the black and yellow stripes of a wasp).
This species is found in two spring-fed streams, where it occurs during the breeding season. These streams run through very arid shrubland, although the terrestrial (ground-related) habitat is only poorly known. The Luristan newt requires relatively complex mosaic landscapes that include terrestrial areas suitable for foraging, protection and hibernation, as well as good quality stream habitats, which are rich in invertebrate prey items and unpolluted. They require suitable habitat to allow them to migrate between their breeding streams and terrestrial/hibernation areas.
This species is endemic to three streams within a restricted area of the southern Zagros Mountains, Lorestan (where most of the populations located) and Khuzestan Provinces, Iran. It has an altitudinal range of 500-1,430 metres above sea level.
This species is locally abundant to rare within its restricted range. One of the populations has now disappeared and it is now only known from two spring-fed streams. The population is estimated to number fewer than 1,000 mature individuals.
This species is registered as declining in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The Luristan newts is listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 km sq., its area of occupancy is less than 10 km sq., its populations are severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, as well as a decline in the number of mature individuals due to over-harvesting for the illegal pet trade.
This species is chiefly threatened by habitat loss, which is occurring as a result of wood extraction for small-scale subsistence use. The Luristan newt is extremely sensitive to environmental change because they live in arid, marginal conditions. The effects of recent severe droughts have negatively impacted this species, which depends on spring-fed streams for breeding. Damming of the few known inhabited streams is a serious potential threat to the species. Over-collection may also be reducing wild populations because this is a popular species in the pet trade. A few animals have been observed for sale in the Tehran market, presumably for local use in aquaria. However, of greater concern is the current growing trade in the species for the international pet trade. At present it appears that individuals caught in the wild are being illegally exported out of Iran, and are finding their way into the global pet trade. Some of the individuals in the trade are reportedly captive-bred but this requires confirmation.
The species is protected by Iranian national legislation, and its range close to the Zagros Oak Forest protected area.
Recent studies of the newts of the Zagros Mountains have included discussions with local people, informing them about the destructive nature of their waste-disposal activities, which are polluting habitats for the Luristan newts and other species. Local communities were reportedly cooperative, but lack a suitable alternative means of disposal. Local authorities have promised financial support to build a waste-disposal system and it is to be hoped that this is constructed soon. The use of various chemical pollutants associated with agricultural activities in the area have also been discussed with the villagers and farmers. Although it is difficult to totally prevent the use of these chemicals, some headway has been made in emphasising minimal use of chemicals in agriculture.
Recent studies of the newts of the Zagros Mountains have included discussions with local people, informing them about the destructive nature of their waste-disposal activities, which are polluting habitats for the Luristan newts and other species. Local communities were reportedly cooperative, but lack a suitable alternative means of disposal. Local authorities have promised financial support to build a waste-disposal system and it is to be hoped that this is constructed soon. The use of various chemical pollutants associated with agricultural activities in the area have also been discussed with the villagers and farmers. Although it is difficult to totally prevent the use of these chemicals, some headway has been made in emphasising minimal use of chemicals in agriculture.
Actions need to be taken immediately to prevent the illegal export of this species for the international pet trade. The IUCN Technical Guidelines for the Management of Ex situ Populations, part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, recommend that all Critically Endangered species should have an ex situ population managed to guard against the extinction of the species. An ex situ population is ideally a breeding colony of a species maintained outside of its natural habitat, giving rise to individuals from that species that are sheltered from problems associated with their situation in the wild. This can be located within the species’ range or in a foreign country that has the facilities to support a captive breeding programme for that species. Since the Luristan salamander is categorised as Critically Endangered, the possibility of a captive breeding programme for this species should be investigated. This could potentially reduce the demand for wild-caught individuals as any captive breeding initiative could contribute sustainably to a more ethical pet trade in the species.
Studies have also suggested that Luristan newts require connective habitats that enable migration between terrestrial and stream habitats. A habitat restoration project should be initiated to ensure that an appropriate environment is maintained around the occupied streams of the this species.
Studies have also suggested that Luristan newts require connective habitats that enable migration between terrestrial and stream habitats. A habitat restoration project should be initiated to ensure that an appropriate environment is maintained around the occupied streams of the this species.
AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation [web application]. 2006. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. Available: amphibiaweb. Accessed: 08 December 2006.
Anderson, S.C. 1963. Amphibians and reptiles from Iran. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 31(16): 417-498.
Baloutchi, M. and Kami, H.G. 1995. Amphibians of Iran. Tehran University Publications, Tehran.
Frost, D. R., T. Grant, J. Faivovich, R. H. Bain, A. Haas, C. F. B. Haddad, R. O. De Sá, A. Channing, M. Wilkinson, S. C. Donnellan, C. J. Raxworthy, J. A. Campbell, B. L. Blotto, P. Moler, R. C. Drewes, R. A. Nussbaum, J. D. Lynch, D. M. Green, and W. C. Wheeler. 2006. The Amphibian Tree of Life. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 297: 1-370.
Frost, Darrel R. 2006. Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 4 (17 August 2006). Electronic Database accessible at:. American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA.
Halliday, T. and Adler, C. (eds.). 2002. The new encyclopedia of reptiles and amphibians. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
IUCN, Conservation International and NatureServe. 2006. Global Amphibian Assessment. Global Amphibian Assessment. Accessed on 08 December 2006.
IUCN. 2004. 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 23 November 2004.
Obst, F.J., Richter, K. and Jacob, U. 1984. The Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians for the Terrarium. T.F.H. Publication Inc., N.J., U.S.A.
Papenfuss, T., Anderson, S., Kuzmin, S. & Rastegar-Pouyani, N. 2006. Neurergus kaiseri. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.. Downloaded on 08 December 2006.
Roelants, K., Gower, D. J., Wilkinson, M., Loader, S. P., Biju, S. D., Guillaume, K., Moiau, L. and Bossuyt, F. 2007. Global patterns of diversification in the history of modern amphibians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104: 887-892.
Schmidtler, J.F. 1994. Eine Übersicht neuerer Untersuchungen und Beobachtungen an der vorderasiatischen Molchgattung Neurergus Cope, 1862. Abhandlungen und Berichte für Naturkunde 17: 193-198.
Schmidtler, J.J. and Schmidtler, J.F. 1975. Untersuchungen an westpersischen Bergbachmolchen der Gattung Neurergus (Caudata, Salamandridae). Salamandra 11(2): 84-98.
Steinfartz, S., Hwang, U., Tautz, D. and Veith, M. 2002. Monophyletic origin of the genus Neurergus within the Salamandridae: Evolution of adaptive types as a consequence of environmental changes. Amphibia-Reptilia 23(4): 419-431.
Thorn, R. 1968. Les Salamandres d'Europe, d'Asia, et d'Afrique du Nord. Éditions Paul Lechevalier, Paris.
Anderson, S.C. 1963. Amphibians and reptiles from Iran. Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences 31(16): 417-498.
Baloutchi, M. and Kami, H.G. 1995. Amphibians of Iran. Tehran University Publications, Tehran.
Frost, D. R., T. Grant, J. Faivovich, R. H. Bain, A. Haas, C. F. B. Haddad, R. O. De Sá, A. Channing, M. Wilkinson, S. C. Donnellan, C. J. Raxworthy, J. A. Campbell, B. L. Blotto, P. Moler, R. C. Drewes, R. A. Nussbaum, J. D. Lynch, D. M. Green, and W. C. Wheeler. 2006. The Amphibian Tree of Life. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History 297: 1-370.
Frost, Darrel R. 2006. Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 4 (17 August 2006). Electronic Database accessible at:
Halliday, T. and Adler, C. (eds.). 2002. The new encyclopedia of reptiles and amphibians. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
IUCN, Conservation International and NatureServe. 2006. Global Amphibian Assessment. Global Amphibian Assessment. Accessed on 08 December 2006.
IUCN. 2004. 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 23 November 2004.
Obst, F.J., Richter, K. and Jacob, U. 1984. The Completely Illustrated Atlas of Reptiles and Amphibians for the Terrarium. T.F.H. Publication Inc., N.J., U.S.A.
Papenfuss, T., Anderson, S., Kuzmin, S. & Rastegar-Pouyani, N. 2006. Neurergus kaiseri. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Roelants, K., Gower, D. J., Wilkinson, M., Loader, S. P., Biju, S. D., Guillaume, K., Moiau, L. and Bossuyt, F. 2007. Global patterns of diversification in the history of modern amphibians. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104: 887-892.
Schmidtler, J.F. 1994. Eine Übersicht neuerer Untersuchungen und Beobachtungen an der vorderasiatischen Molchgattung Neurergus Cope, 1862. Abhandlungen und Berichte für Naturkunde 17: 193-198.
Schmidtler, J.J. and Schmidtler, J.F. 1975. Untersuchungen an westpersischen Bergbachmolchen der Gattung Neurergus (Caudata, Salamandridae). Salamandra 11(2): 84-98.
Steinfartz, S., Hwang, U., Tautz, D. and Veith, M. 2002. Monophyletic origin of the genus Neurergus within the Salamandridae: Evolution of adaptive types as a consequence of environmental changes. Amphibia-Reptilia 23(4): 419-431.
Thorn, R. 1968. Les Salamandres d'Europe, d'Asia, et d'Afrique du Nord. Éditions Paul Lechevalier, Paris.
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