Re-locating newts

[gazlukas]

I too thought newts were not for sale , but a pet shop in Scunthorpe is selling them , anyway what about re-locating newts , as i have loads of breeding pairs , when we bought the house 20 yrs ago there was a wildlife pond , i moved it 20 feet years ago , and i am still over run with newts , is it legal to transfer some into an established wild life pond ? if so , is anybody wanting some

[Gill Catton]

I don't think you need to worry, the newt population will regulate itself.
It's not really advised to move them about the country if it can be avoided, as you risk transferring diseases along with the animals which cam damage the environment into which they are moved.

It is illegal to sell newts under the Wildlife and Countryside Act this protection stretches to all native amphibians. I believe you can buy pet non-native newts though.

[gazlukas]

Thank you for your reply , and bringing to the fore about cross contamination of disease etc , we have been very lucky with there health , only losing the occasional one on the drive , over the years we have given away hundreds of pairs locally to people with wildlife ponds in there back yards , i just thought if i could help anyone out , though i must point out they just love frogs spawn , and will feast on it till it has all gone , Cheers for now