Neurergus is a genus of salamanders, more specifically newts, in the family Salamandridae. They are found in the Middle East (predominantly in Turkey and Iran), and are kept and bred in captivity for their bright colors. In nature, they inhabit streams and small rivers, and the surrounding forests or shrublands. All of the Neurergus are considered threatened species, primarily due to destruction of habitat and overcollection for the pet trade.2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, accessed 19 January 2009.
Morphology Generally, Neurergus species are dark-colored (brown to black) above, with a pattern of white to yellow to orange spots and lines. On their ventral sides, the lighter color of their spots becomes a solid color. Like most salamanders, they have five toes on their hind feet.
Species Studies have demonstrated the genus Neurergus is monophyletic,Steinfartz, S.; Hwang, U. W.; Tautz, D.; Öz, M. and Veith, M. (2002) "Molecular Phylogeny of the Salamandrid Genus Neurergus: Evidence for an Intrageneric Switch of Reproductive Biology" Amphibia-Reptilia 23: pp. 419-431, containing these species: Image Scientific name Common name(s)Conservation status Distribution Neurergus barani Öz, 1994 -none- (IUCN) Turkey Neurergus crocatus Cope, 1862 Azerbaijan newt Lake Urmia newt Yellow spotted newt (IUCN) Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Neurergus derjugini (Nesterov, 1916) Kurdistan newt (IUCN) Iran, possibly Iraq, and possibly Turkey. Neurergus kaiseri Schmidt, 1952Luristan newt Kaiser's mountain newt (IUCN) Southern Zagros Mountains in Iran Neurergus strauchii (Steindachner, 1887) Strauch's spotted newt Anatolia newt (IUCN) Turkey
Intrinsic Phylogeny
Intrinsic phylogeny tree of genus Neurergus.
References
External links "Neurergus Cope, 1862" Salamanders of the Old World "Neurergus (Cope, 1862)" Living Under World.Org, A Web Project about Amphibians "Neurergus kaiseri" photographs of Neurergus kaiseri