A review of the Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus (Razoumoski, 1789) in Essex
Discussion
The Palmate Newt can be considered to be the rarest of the five native amphibian species found in
Essex (Table 3, Figs 1-3). The sixth native British amphibian, the Natterjack Toad Bufo calamita
Laurenti does not occur in the county.
Table 3. Summary of Amphibian records in Essex, 2002
There are considerably fewer Palmate Newt sites in Essex compared to those for the Smooth or
Great Crested Newt. The Palmate Newt does live in ponds that are used by the other two newt
species. Although in most cases the Palmate Newt exists within ponds used by either Smooth or
Great Crested Newts for breeding, some ponds do contain all three species, for example at Epping
Forest, Brentwood and Braintree, One particular pond, located in Thorndon Country Park, was
shown to have all five Essex native amphibian species when surveyed in March 2002 (Knowles
2002). It is not known if there are any ponds used exclusively by Palmate Newts in Essex.
The species seems to be restricted to specific terrestrial habitat types such as woodland and heathland/
acid grassland which, in turn, provide the preferred aquatic conditions for breeding i.e. acid, shaded
water bodies. Palmate Newts have also been found in small woodland streams (Knowles 2002),
ditches and water filled tractor ruts (Beebee & Griffiths 2000).
The Smooth and Great Crested Newts utilise a broader range of habitats than the Palmate. These
habitats include both suburban and urban areas and lowland clay districts. Both species show a wide
distribution across the county (Figs 2 & 3).
The Palmate Newt records indicate a localised distribution and in many areas of Essex the species is
absent. The Great Crested Newt, in comparison, probably occurs in every district (Thompson 1999).
At present there are slightly more records for Great Crested Newt than for the other species. This is
probably due to the considerable interest in this newt being shown by conservation organisations in
the county. This results from the species' full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 (as amended) and its listing as a priority species on the U.K. and Essex Biodiversity Action
Plans. Under existing legislation the Palmate Newt has only limited protection from sale.
All five Essex amphibian species are drastically under recorded. It is hoped that renewed interest in
Essex amphibia will provide a clearer picture of their status in the county.
The Palmate Newt population faces the same threats as the other Essex amphibia, principally changes
in land use, habitat fragmentation, pollution, development and neglect. Its local distribution and
restriction to fragmented habitats may make the species more vulnerable in the future. This is the
reason the Palmate Newt has been added to the Essex Red Data list. The Palmate Newt would be an
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 20 (2003)
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