Yellow-spotted newt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yellow-spotted newt |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Neurergus
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| Species: |
crocatus
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The yellow-spotted newt, also called the Azerbaijan newt, is a special type of salamander. It belongs to the Salamandridae family. You can find this newt in the mountains near Lake Urmia. These mountains are located in northwestern Iran, northeastern Iraq, and southeastern Turkey. This newt is considered a vulnerable species.
Meet the Yellow-Spotted Newt
Yellow-spotted newts can grow to be about 16 to 18 centimeters (6 to 7 inches) long. Their tail is usually longer than their body. Their head is flat and longer than it is wide. They have a rounded snout.
Their body is slim and almost round. It does not have a ridge along the back. The tail is round at the base and gets flatter towards the end. It has small fins on the top and bottom. Their legs are strong, and their toes are thick and flat.
These newts are dark brown or black on their backs. They have bright yellow, round spots that are a bit uneven. These spots continue onto their tail. Male newts have an orange-red belly, while females have a yellowish one. In zoos, they can live for 12 to 15 years. They usually become adults and can have babies when they are about four years old.
Where Do Yellow-Spotted Newts Live?
Yellow-spotted newts breed in mountain streams. They live at high places, usually between 1,500 and 2,000 meters (about 4,900 to 6,500 feet) above sea level. After they lay their eggs, the adult newts spread out into the areas around the streams. We don't know exactly where they go or what their favorite hiding spots are during this time.
This newt species is facing threats. Their homes are being lost because of things like new dams being built. This is why the yellow-spotted newt is listed as "Vulnerable." This means they could become endangered if we don't protect them and their habitat.
