The great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) is Britain's largest and rarest newt. Britain is estimated to have the majority of the world's population of this amphibian. As a result the species has been given full legal protection. Like many amphibians, the great crested newt can secrete toxins from its skin to deter predators.

Identification
The great crested newt is much larger than the smooth and palmate newts at approximately 150mm for a large adult. The great crested newt is usually black or very dark brown with granular white spots and a bright yellow or orange belly.

The male great crested newt has a silver tail stripe and a jagged crest.

Great crested newt eggs are pale yellow in colour, and are slightly larger (at 3mm) than smooth newt eggs, which are grey.

Ecology
Great crested newts feed on invertebrates including worms, slugs and caterpillars. Newts are only active at night, and will spend the day sheltering in damp places such as under logs. They can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, rough grassland, wasteland and parks.

The great crested newt spends much of the year on land and returns to its pond in spring to breed. Ponds between 0.5m and 1m in depth that are not too heavily shaded are usually favoured. The eggs are laid on an aquatic plant leaf and are folded into parcels. Each female lays between 200 and 400 eggs.

The great crested newt lives to around 8 years in the wild.

Great crested newts in Bucks
We are fortunate in Buckinghamshire to have a healthy population of great crested newts. Buckinghamshire is regarded as one of the best regions for this species. The clay soils across much of the county provide many breeding ponds.

Protection
The great crested newt (and its habitat) is currently protected against trade, killing, injury and disturbance under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994.

In order to survey for great crested newts (even with a torch) a licence should be obtained from Natural England.