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Kosswig's smooth newt
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<p>Kosswig's smooth newt (<i>Lissotriton kosswigi</i>) is a <a href="/facts/Newt/2KNMYeSn">newt</a> species found in northwestern <a href="/facts/Anatolia/vMkrLrPr">Anatolia</a>, east of the <a href="/facts/Bosphorus/3Id0Pfum">Bosphorus</a>.: 234 </p><p>Günther Erich Freytag described the species in 1955 as <i>Triturus vulgaris kosswigii</i>, a <a href="/facts/Subspecies/4L9jFacF">subspecies</a> of the <a href="/facts/Smooth_newt/6mmyUXCL">smooth newt</a> (now <i>Lissotriton vulgaris</i>). After genetic data had suggested the smooth newt was a <a href="/facts/Species_complex/u6qEMdRQ">complex</a> of distinct <a href="/facts/Lineage_(evolution)/wIChE4CL">lineages</a>, Dubois and Raffaëlli, in 2009, recognised several subspecies, including Kosswig's smooth newt, as distinct species. This was followed by subsequent authors. <a href="/facts/Molecular_phylogenetics/FysplHP5">Molecular phylogenetics</a> suggested that the closest relative of Kosswig's smooth newt is the <a href="/facts/Greek_smooth_newt/dxw1g5JL">Greek smooth newt</a> (<i>Lissotriton graecus</i>) from the <a href="/facts/Balkans/5Hy8ly0d">Balkans</a>. </p><p>The species differs from other species in the smooth newt species complex mainly in the male <a href="/facts/Secondary_sex_characteristic/lV2Fl3uA">secondary characters</a> during breeding season. The male dorsal crest is less than 1 mm high, but high at the tail base, has smooth edges, and ends in a long filament. The well-developed dorso-lateral folds give the body a square shape. The toe flaps are well developed.: 234 </p><p><a href="/facts/Paedomorphic/t8hK3CIv">Paedomorphic</a> adults have been reported for Kosswig's smooth newt. </p><p>Due to a limited range, a fragmented population and a continuous decline to the extent and quality of its habitat, the species is listed as <a href="/facts/Vulnerable_species/79WNk4Gj">vulnerable</a>. </p>