Loristan Newt

Neurergus kaiseri, the Luristan newt, Kaiser's mountain newt, Kaiser's spotted newt or emperor spotted newt, is a species of very colourful salamander in the family Salamandridae. It is endemic to the southern Zagros Mountains in Iran where it is known from just four streams. ​As a species from a temperate zone, Kaiser's mountain newts require a cooling or brumation period in order to be bred successfully. Following a year in a terrestrial set up with temperature ranges from 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and a UV index of 1.5 to 2, the brumation cycle began on November 25, 2016. The Luristan newt 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.

Scientific name: Neurergus kaiseri

Conservation status: Critically Endangered (Population decreasing)

Rank: Species

Higher classification: Neurergus

Order: Urodela

Phylum: Chordata