rhamphotheca:Kaiser’s spotted newt (Neurergus kaiseri)… also known as the Luristan newt
rhamphotheca:Kaiser’s spotted newt (Neurergus kaiseri)… also known as the Luristan newt , is a species of very colourful salamanders in the family Salamandridae. 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.However, a new survey in 2014 estimates a population of over 9,000 adults, and range estimate that could provide habitat for more than 40,000 N. kaiseri.(via: Wikipedia)photograph by Richard Bartlett -- source link