SNH and farmers work to save rare Highland newt

The discovery is significant as it was feared at one point that the Highland great crested newt was in trouble.

The species was shown by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and the University of Salford to be genetically distinct from those in Scotland and Europe.

There are only around 30 known ponds with breeding Highland great crested newts in the region, though habitat creation projects under SNH’s Species Action Framework (SAF) have led to another three ponds being colonised within one year.

The SAF work with landowners and land managers resulted in the ponds being created to form suitable habitat for the species.

The ponds’ design and siting was based on careful study but even so, the speed with which the newts have moved into their new homes has surprised and delighted those involved with the project.

The eggs were found by Jeanette Hall of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) one of the scientists who first helped show that the newts were native to the Highlands.

She said: “The SAF project was designed to help species that may otherwise have been in trouble, and we are very grateful to the land managers and farmers who gave so much of their time and set aside land for these newt ponds to be created. Without them, this work would not have taken place.”

In the past the great crested newt bred in ponds created for cattle to drink from, but with few such ponds nowadays, populations have become isolated, leaving the newts vulnerable to extinction.

Farmers and landowners on the Black Isle have set aside part of their land for the pond creation project which was funded by SNH.

Local farmer and landowner Duncan Fraser said: “I am very pleased the newts have moved into the pond so quickly. It is always great to see wildlife around the farm from the red kites flying above me, to the skylarks nesting in the fields. I don’t imagine I’ll see much of these newts, but it’s good to know they’ll be doing fine in our ponds.”

John McKinnell, the SNH project manager, said: “The Black Isle project is the culmination of work done for great crested newts over the last few years under the Species Action Framework. We have shown that this species can be helped to thrive again by providing extra breeding ponds.”