Evaluating the success of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) translocation

Published source details Oldham R.S. & Humphries R.N. (2000) Evaluating the success of great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) translocation. The Herpetological Journal, 10, 183-190.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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	Translocate great crested newts Action Link

Translocate great crested newts

In an extension of a previous review (May 1996), a review of 178 great crested newt Triturus cristatus translocation programmes in 1985–1994 in the UK (Oldham & Humphries 2000) found that populations were present one year after release in 37% of all cases (see also Edgar, Griffiths & Foster 2005). In 10% of cases no newts were present the following year. Over half of the projects did not have enough evidence to assess success. Success of monitored projects increased from 59% before 1990 to 78% in 1990–1994. In one project, less than 40% of 1,000 translocated newts remained within a 5 ha managed conservation area. However, those that remained produced 135 (in three ponds) and 567 metamorphs (six ponds) in the first and second year respectively. Male survival over two years was estimated as 46% and translocated newts gained mass (18%). Data from translocation projects was obtained from Natural England licensing records. In the case study, newts were translocated to an adjacent conservation area in 1991–1992. Trees and shrubs had been planted and hibernacula and three ponds created. Newts were monitored using drift-fencing and pitfall traps and using bottle traps.