Neurergus Kasieri for sale?

[billie]

Ok, I've been following the threads regarding the stealing of this species.. but have a few questions...

Is there ANY of these newts sold, actually cb? Or are they near extinct imports?? And if they are so critically endangered, why are they not massive breeding projects going on?? I realize that the habitat will not be getting any better.. But at least a captive population in zoos around the world.. The Amphibian Ark campaign might be the only way to save this species..

ALSO, The newts are now in captivity, no going back (as much as I wish they could). A vendor on Kingsnake is selling them for as low as $100 each.. claims to have dozens.. and that they are an easy species to breed in captivity.. How big of a lie is this? Is there any real information on caring/breeding for these newts?? They are so beautiful, but I could never bring myself to buy something that is near extinction..

thanks

 

[alan]

There have been CB N. kaiseri sold in Europe, don't know about N. America (yet).
This is not a particularly difficult species to breed if:

a) You can keep the poor quality imports alive (don't buy the Kingsnake imports, you have a 99% chance of losing your money when they die).
b) You meet their needs in captivity (don't keep them aquatic year round, correct temperatures, food, slight current for breeding, etc).

There will be a lot more CB N. kaiseri around in 5 years time, just as there are more CB Tylototriton available than 5 years ago, and the CB animals will be much more robust and easier to breed than the WC.

HOWEVER, these "trophy" animals are never going to make good pets - they like to spend 90% of the year hiding under a rock and to deny them this is stressful for them.

 

[jennifer]

Last year, there was 1 legal import of genuine CB kaiseri juveniles into the US from Europe, that I know of. It's possible that there will be more at some point.

I still have some doubts about the long-term sustainability of this species in captivity. If you read Gunter's sheet on N. crocatus you can see that a couple of people succeeding with breeding does not necessarily mean the species can be perpetuated long-term. I hope that Alan is correct, and that the right set of conditions can be reproduced in captivity.

 

[chris]

Hey Alan, I like what I have seen with your aquatic set up for the N. kaiseri, let`s see some pics of the terrestrial set-up.

 

[alan]

Here it is, 40x30cm, well ventilated lid (50% mesh):

 

[samuel]

Nice and simple set up Alan, yet taking into account the animals needs quite well. Was it not Gerald Durrell who heavily mentioned this in one of his books-the way that in a lot of cases "pretty" cages werent as good as more basic ones which had only the animals needs and not aesthetics in mind?

 

[william]

Durrell pretty much mentioned this in ALL of his books- eternal legend & childhood hero!

 

[alan]

Sadly true. I HATE keeping amphibians in plastic boxes, but they always do well when I do. It's now my surefire method for breeding reluctant dartfrogs, but it irritates the heck out of me. I'm sure it's because I can't see them that they do so well (plus humidity regulation).