Relocating Newts

[Newt'o the Forum]

Hello,

I discovered a newt in an old pile of brick rubble in my garden last summer. I was amazed at the discovery, because I don't have a water feature or any standing water, nor do my immediate neighbours, to my knowledge. I left him/her alone and didn't investigate any further, but this summer the rubble pile absolutely must be moved.

I'm not practiced at identifying newts, but I know this one wasn't a Great Crested. Am I right in thinking it is only the Great Crested whose habitat cannot be disturbed, or could I be on the wring side of the law if I gather up any newts and transport them to a nicer (wetter) location? (I have a friend with a massive garden and lovely pond.)

I'd love to build a new habitat in my own garden for the little chap and any friends, but I have three garden-dwelling cats, and were it not for the holes in the bricks, I don't think this newt or any other would survive for very long.

Any advice would be very greatly appreciated.

[Weeksy]

Hi Newt' o the forum (great name!)

You are quite corrected that it is only the great crested newt which is fully protected under British and European law. So there is no legal reason to stop you moving the newt (along as it isn't a GCN) and your friend agrees. It is probably a good thing if you think it is at risk from your cats.

In general relocations of animals can be a tricky subject, and with amphibians there are a couple of points to consider:

By taking spawn or adults to another pond you may increase the risk of spreading unwanted predatory fish or invasive plants, artificially inflate the frog/newt populations elsewhere and reduce numbers in your own area. There is also the danger that you may be introducing the animals to an unsuitable area or spreading diseases and parasites.

These are just general observations and not directed at your specific case, good luck with your newt.

Weeksy

[pheonix]

Newts spend most of their lives out of the water in such places like rubble piles or anywhere damp, they only need watewr to breed.
On the moving of the newt i'd say as long as you dont take it too far away, and its a suitable place where it will get shelter and food it will be okay. It will prob sort itself out from there anyway.
It may even just come back to the same area anyway as newts use the same breeding pomds and place of hibernation every year.
hope this helps

[Newt'o the Forum]

Many thanks to both of you for the advice.

I'll be sorry to shift the little fellow (if he hasn't moved off in search of a breeding area already); it was kind of like discovering a little jewel in the garden. I'll be lifting the bricks very, very carefully!

(Might even make my friend with the garden accept a few of the bricks to put in a shadey corner ).

[tobyd10]

Hi,
I've just found a 3 inch long newt in my water butt and wish to relocate it. Can anyone tell me what would be the best place to move it to as I don't know what they eat so cant put it near food etc.
Thanks for your help.

[pheonix]

Originally Posted by tobyd10

Hi,
I've just found a 3 inch long newt in my water butt and wish to relocate it. Can anyone tell me what would be the best place to move it to as I don't know what they eat so cant put it near food etc.
Thanks for your help.

The best thing to do is move it to long vegetation or a log pile or similar where it will get cover and allow it to go about its business. Try not to handle it with dry hands or if you have anything on your hands eg soap or suncream as the skin is easily dmaged.

I hope that helps

Gareth