Morelia Ecology
Andre Blacker BSc (Hons)
Great Crested Newts
The Great Crested Newt is the largest of the UK's three native newt species, the other two being the Smooth Newt and the Palmate Newt (one introduced species, the Alpine Newt, is present in some parts of the UK).
Great Crested Newts are fully protected under the law due to dramatic population declines during the second half of the 20th Century. The population decline is the result of habitat fragmentation and the loss of breeding ponds, despite the high level of protection afforded this species it is estimated that as many as 1.5% of breeding ponds are still being lost each year.
Although most conservation and survey effort is directed towards the breeding ponds it must be remembered that the first 3 years of a newt’s life is spent on land and that after that the largest part of the newt’s year is also spent on land.
A Great Crested Newt’s terrestrial habitat requirements are quite specific, with most of the newts remaining within 500m of the breeding pond although some individuals may travel over 1km from the breeding pond. Great Crested Newts are relatively long lived animals with one individual being surveyed every year for 17 years.
Great Crested Newts are fully protected under the Conservation of Species and Habitats Regulations 2010 and The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to deliberately injure, kill, capture or disturb a Great Crested Newt or damage, destroy or obstruct any places used by them for shelter and protection. Breaking the law can lead to fines of upto £5,000.
Only a licenced ecologist is allowed to survey for and/or handle a Great Crested Newt.
Types of surveys undertaken by Morelia Ecology for Great Crested Newts
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Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) to determine likely presence and to direct further surveys
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Pond surveys during the breeding season
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Terrestrial surveys outside the breeding season
Morelia Ecology has the experience and the relevant licence ensuring that Great Crested Newt surveys are completed quickly and efficiently with minimum risk and disturbance to the newts.
