The Alpine Newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris, formerly Triturus alpestris)

[Stomatopod]

Hi,

Im new to this forum, but it like to put out a question to all the Herp folk...

Is the European Alpine newt considered an invasive species in the UK? There is a local population near me that were apparently released in the 80's from a private collection. They seem to be coexisting fine with the local Smooth and Palmate population and are amaisingly colourfull in the breeding season. The ranges of these species overlap in several places in Europe and so Id imagine they should get along fine.

Given the fact that most newts are cannabalistic anyway and will predate each other, and laying aside the inevitable chytrid fungus issue, should we be happy about this colourful introduction?

[Yashca]

Doesn't answer your question I'm afraid, but I live in East Yorkshire and I would love to see these introduced newts.

I expect, however, that it would be next year before it would be possible too see them with any regularity.

If I private messaged you at some point would you be willing to tell me where these newts can be seen and (possibly) photographed?

Thanks, Yashca

[Ukwildlifeo]

I think they are considered alien but not invasive - ie they shouldn't be here but they dont cause any harm.

[aeshna5]

I'm not aware of any problems with them. There are also Italian Crested Newts in a few places , such as Surrey, + these do hybridise with Great-crested Newts.

[Putorius]

The truth is that we do not know how much of a threat if any is posed by the alpine newt to indigenous herpetofauna in Great Britain. The animal itself must be pretty confused, it`s had enough name changes recently; First it was known as Triturus alpestris then Mesotriton alpestris and now it has been changed yet again to Ichthyosaura alpestris.

The subject needs further research and until then it would be very unwise to make assumptions. It`s further release and spread should certainly not be encouraged.

John W. Wilkinson (ARC), John Baker (ARC) & Jim Foster (NE), together with other ARC staff recently put together a table entitled SETTING PRIORITIES FOR NON-NATIVE AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE UK

The Alpine newt of course was included. The predominant potential issue is of course the fungal pathogen Chytridiomicosis. 15 Alpestris locations were known to ARC in England and Scotland in July 2009. Chytrid has been positively identified in at least 3 of these. There are doubtless more sites to be found. I find it unlikely that there are no Alpestris present in Wales.

The table lists Alpestris as a HIGH level of concern.

The table also gives Alpestris a HIGH research priority.

We know very little of how much of a threat that Alpestris may be depending on how things pan out with chytridiomicosis (a species where ‘need more information’ would apply) hence it would be wise to proceed with caution.



For more information regarding introduced Herpetofauna species in the UK visit
Alien Encounters 2009 - Home

[fuheroes]

Hi
I also have Alpine Newts in my pond. i have posted pics of these in my Gallery

[Mark_b]

If you or your pond isn't involved in the current survey testing uk amphibians for the fungal disease chytrid I would advise contacting them through the below link.

Second National Chytrid Survey (A.K.A the Big Swab 2011) | Projects | ARG UK

I believe they are interested in ponds which have non-native species.

[fuheroes]

Ok thanks I will contact them

[Red Robin]

Originally Posted by fuheroes

Hi
I also have Alpine Newts in my pond. i have posted pics of these in my Gallery

....Could you post a link to your specific pics please rather than just the gienormous Gallery

Very interesting to see a European cousin

Wikipedia says: "Alpine newts were originally confined to Central Europe and mountainous Southern Europe, as well as an isolated area on the northern Iberian Peninsula. The species was introduced to southern England in the 1930s and several populations have become established as far north as Sunderland."

[fuheroes]

Here are links to relavant pics
unidentified newt - Wild About Britain Pics
alpine newts - Wild About Britain Pics