Up to 15 years
9-17cm long (adults)
Native; Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework Priority Species. European Protected Species (Annex IV) of European Habitats Directive.
The largest of the UK newt species, great crested newts (GCN) are an ecologically important species that help to cycle nutrients between freshwater and terrestrial habitats via their complex lifecycle. Individuals can be identified by their black colouration, spotted sides and orange abdomen. Populations are facing numerous threats including the loss of key habitats (including ponds and terrestrial habitat), habitat fragmentation, pollution, fish introductions and climate change.
Results are only accepted by Natural England between mid-April and late-June. However, samples can be analysed all year round for other applications. Note that newt presence in ponds is generally lower during cooler months and therefore it is expected that less eDNA will be present if sampled during these periods.
