occurs in the protected Hyrcanian forest region and has been most recently assessed by The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008 when it was conclusively listed as near threatened due to habitat loss. The specific threats that fall under habitat loss for this species are urban sprawl around the coast and foothills of the Caspian Sea, agriculture (specifically rice cultivation in this area), logging (siltation in streams that the larvae rely upon), and surface water & groundwater pollution (because this species is so reliant upon aquatic habitats this threat is especially influential). It is also speculated that this species could be threatened by drought periods and collection for the pet trade. Because of increases in threats and a deteriorating climate this species is near qualifying as vulnerable. Overall little is known about thus reclusive and rare species of salamander. More field surveys are necessary to fathom the reality of this species natural range. Research on what the ecological requirements are for both the larvae and adults of this species is needed to facilitate conservation efforts. References Paradactylodon Amphibians of Iran Endemic fauna of Iran Amphibians described in 1970 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot