Palmate newt  (Triturus helveticus)

Although this species is not threatened at present, there has been a dramatic and worrying global decline in amphibians. In Britain, widespread species, including the palmate newt have declined. It is thought that changes in agriculture are largely to blame, including the massive reduction in the number of farm ponds. In the last century, a staggering 70% of Britain’s pools and marshes have been destroyed. Furthermore, remaining ponds are often polluted with agricultural chemicals (2).

Although this species isn’t threatened with extinction at present, the long-term survival of all Britain’s native amphibians and reptiles remains in the balance (2). Interest in reptiles and amphibians has increased massively in the last 30 years and there are now conservation charities dedicated to these fascinating and often overlooked species, such as the Herpetological Conservation Trust (5). The ecology and habits of this species of this species are well understood, and effective monitoring is in place, which will enable the state of the palmate newt population to be tracked carefully. Any decline will therefore be apparent and informed conservation action can swing into action. Although sale of this newt is prohibited under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, it is unfortunate that the species is not yet fully protected by law in Britain (2).