Assessment of the status of the great crested newt Triturus cristatus within the Scottish Natural Heritage East Highland Area, 2002

Fourteen ponds within the Scottish Natural Heritage East Highland Area were surveyed, to assess the suitability of surrounding habitats and give recommendations for management where this is thought to be required. All amphibians present were recorded.

MAIN FINDINGS

· Great crested newts T. cristatus were recorded at six out of seven ponds where the species was recorded during the previous, 1996 survey;

· No great crested newts were recorded at four ponds with old records for the species;

· No great crested newts were recorded at three ponds recently said to support the species;

· The total population of great crested newt in the ponds surveyed was estimated at between 267 and 890 adults;

· Ponds occupied by great crested newt were found to support a more diverse amphibian assemblage than unoccupied ponds.