The amphibian fauna of the Kurdistan Region consists of nine species belonging to different groups: salamanders, newts, frogs, and toads.
Kurdistan newt Neurergus derjugini (Nesterov, 1916), has been recorded from many localities, particularly in the Sulaimani and Halabja governorates, where it inhabits natural springs. This species is classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List. Its peak activity period in the region occurs during late April and May.
Neurergus derjugini, Sharbazher area. Photo: Soran H. Ahmed
Lake Urmia newt Neurergus crocatus Cope, 1862, has been recorded in natural springs and streams in Erbil and Duhok governorates.
Sakran Mountain, habitat of Lake Urmia newt Neurergus crocatus. Photo Soran H. Ahmed
The Oriental fire salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata Martens, 1885, has been recorded from a few localities in Halabja Governorate and the Penjween area. It is often found at the same localities and in the same habitat as the Kurdistan newt N. derjugini.
Salamandra infraimmaculata, Hawraman. Photo Soran H. Ahmed
The Caucasus frog Rana macrocnemis Boulenger, 1885, has been recorded from a few localities, including Sakran Mountain in Erbil Governorate and Hazakanian near Basne Village in Sulaimani Governorate.
Rana macrocnemis, Sakran Mountain. Photo Soran H. Ahmed
Levant water frog Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), European green toad Bufotes viridis (Laurenti, 1768), and middle East tree frog Hyla savignyi Audoin, 1827 are widespread and abundant throughout almost the entire region.
Bufotes viridis, Garmian area. Photo Soran H. Ahmed
The presence of two other species, the Southern banded newt Ommatotriton vittatus (Gray, 1835), and the Syrian spadefoot toad Pelobates syriacus Boettger, 1889, has been reported in the literature; however, these records require further confirmation.
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