Distribution and habitats of Near Threatened Iranian stream salamander Paradactylodon persicus (Eiselt & Steiner, 1970) (Caudata: Hynobiidae)

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

Reza Ghassemi Kasari

Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani

Rasoul Karamiani

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, 6714967346 Kermanshah, Iran

10.22067/ijab.2025.93160.1101

Abstract

The mountain salamanders of the genus Paradactylodon Risch, 1984 of the family Hynobiidae with three known species are distributed in Iran and Afghanistan. Based on morphological characteristics, the genus Paradactylodon consists of three species P. mustersi (Afghanistan), P. persicus and P. gorganensis (Iran); the Iranian stream salamander P. persicus was first reported from the Talesh Mountains and then the Gorgan cave salamander P. gorganensis was described from the eastern Alborz Mountains; the two Iranian Paradactylodon species are distinct based on morphological characteristics. Due to its conservation significance and numerous threats, this taxon is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. The distribution range of P. persicus is Ardabil, Guilan, and Mazandaran Provinces, and P. gorganensis is Golestan Province. Initially, the study involved reviewing previous research, consulting local residents and experts, and conducting field visits to collect data and photographs of both known and newly discovered habitats. Two specimens of the Persian salamander (Paradactylodon persicus) were reported on 8 May and 4 August 2024 from Masal Mountain, Chesli Village (37° 16' 49" N and 49° 2' 17" E; 375 m above sea level) from Guilan Province (western part of Alborz Mountain Range, northern Iran). The first report of this species in 1970, was based on five salamander larvae found in a stream at an altitude of 800 meters in the Asalem region of the Talesh Mountain Range in the western Alborz Mountains. this research aims to find new habitats and assess the conservation status of the Iranian salamander Paradactylodon persicus, and suggests that habitat changes should be prevented population decline and further protect this species.

Keywords

Iranian salamander

habitat

distribution

Paradactylodon persicus

Guilan Province

Subjects

• Taxonomy

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