Great Crested Newt

Scientific Name: 
Triturus cristatus
Lifespan: 
Around 25 years
Length: 
Males - 100 mm Females - 180 mm
Description: 

The Great Crested Newt is Britains largest newt and also it's most threatened. They appear almost black to the naked eye but in fact have grey/brown colouration covered in dark spots.

Distribution: 

They are found in mainland Britain being widespread throughout the south east and north west of England but are scarcer in Scotland, Wales and the south west of England. Their decline is thought to be attributed to a combination of factors - destruction of their habitat, pollution, a decline in breeding ponds and insensitive management.

Habitat: 

Their natural habitat is medium to large weedy ponds, ditches and marshes close to hedgerows, pasture and arable land, especially where there are log piles and rocks nearby as they tend to lie under logs and rocks during the day. They live predominately on land but seek water for breeding purposes.

Reproduction: 

The breeding season lasts from May to June and during this time they will spend the day in deep water while at night they will use shallow water for breeding purposes. The female lays between 50 and 500 eggs.

Behaviour: 

The newt hibernates during the Winter - from October until March and usually on land in a frost free environment, returning annually to it's breeding ground when the water temperature has risen sufficiently to allow breeding.

Status: 

The Great Crested Newt is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)