Conservation biology and research needs of the endangered Kaiser Newt

Declining of global amphibian populations is well documented. Compared to mammals and birds, amphibians are more vulnerable to changes in the environment. Due to high aridity, relatively few species of amphibians (21 species) occur in Iran. Similar to many amphibian species which face immediate threats to their survival there is not much information available about "conservation biology" of the Kaiser's mountain newt. However, this study was conducted from 2010 to 2014 shortly after the Kaiser's Mountain Newt was amended to the Appendix I of the CITES. Neurergus kaiseri had been designated an endangered species based on the criteria of the IUCN in 2004 and in 2006 the conservation status of this species raised to Critically Endangered. In present study attempt is made to integrates data collected from very different principles in the biological sciences with the objective of achieving a whole-scale understanding of this endangered species. These principles range from the largest level of ecosystems and communities, to the intermediate level of species and populations, and down to the smallest level, that of individuals and their genetic diversity. Hossein Farasat (PhD).

Autorentext

Hossein Farasat is an Assistant Professor of Zoology in the Department of Education, Fars Province, Iran. He earned his Ph.D. degree from Razi University. He focused on the ecology and genetic diversity of fragmented populations of Neurergus kaiseri in Iran. He was keen to apply his findings in conservation of this critically endangered species.