Assessment of the status of the great crested newt Triturus cristatus within the Scottish Natural Heritage East Highland Area, 2004

Eight ponds/pond clusters 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

1. Great crested newts T. cristatus were recorded at only one of the eight ponds/pond clusters surveyed,

2. The total population of great crested newt T. cristatus in the ponds surveyed was estimated at between 3 and 10 adults, based on standard multipliers for night torch surveying.
Two of the ponds had previously been surveyed during the 2002 survey carried out by HEL, but no great crested newts were recorded at either pond during either survey.