Great Crested newt

Unveiling Secrets of Great Crested Newt

The Great Crested Newt is the biggest of the three native species found in the United Kingdom. The great crested newt may reach a maximum length of 17 centimeters, making it much longer than the smooth newt and the palmate newt.

The skin of a great crested newt has a distinctive 'warty' texture and can be dark brown or black in color. The bottom is brilliant orange, and it has random black spots all over it. In the spring, the males grow a magnificent jagged crest that runs up their backs and a white 'flash' that runs along the length of their tails. Females, especially during the mating season when they are distended with eggs, have a hefty look; but, unlike males, they do not have a crest on their heads. The larval stage of the great crested newt is characterized by a mottled pattern of black dots and a thin filament at the tip of the tail.

The months of March through June are prime time for breeding. The courting ritual of great crested newts is rather complex, and it begins with the male newts exhibiting for the female newts. Following fertilization, each female deposits around 200 eggs, which are then carefully wrapped in the leaves of pond plants and deposited one by one.

Great Crested Newts, known for their striking appearance and unique lifestyle, hold a special place in the world of amphibians.

A blend of aquatic and terrestrial habitat makes them intriguing species. Adapting to different climates, they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

With unique mating rituals and extraordinary capability to regenerate lost body parts, Great Crested Newts have abilities that fascinate biologists. Their skin secretes a substance that can fend off predators and also contain certain properties that are being studied for its potential medical applications.

The threat posed to their habitat due to human activities has placed them under the 'protected species' category in many countries. People's awareness and protective measures could ensure their survival.

Every fact about the Great Crested Newt is filled with astonishing details. They serve as a reminder of nature's wonder and the importance of biodiversity. Understanding and preserving these distinctive creatures helps us in sustaining our environment.