The palmate newt (Lissotriton helveticus) is an amphibian belonging to the family Salamandridae, which includes both newts and true salamanders. There are over 60 known species of newts around the world [3]. Three species are native to the UK, the palmate newt included [1]. Up until recently, the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) was the only known newt species in Ireland. However, on 21 May 2024, a remarkable discovery was made by Rob Gandola, a wildlife consultant that specialises in amphibians and reptiles [6]. During a late evening search at an undisclosed location in West Cork, a palmate newt was spotted by Mr Gandola. In total nine individuals, comprising both males and females, were observed, indicating the likelihood of more being present in the area. Preserving the location’s privacy is crucial for safeguarding the newt population. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving Ireland’s wildlife and habitats.
Palmate Newt vs Smooth Newt
Palmate and smooth newts both have smooth skin and are quite similar in size and colour. Adult palmate newts can grow up to 9 cm in length and are brown-olive green in colour, with yellow undersides that have scattered spots [11]. They can be distinguished from smooth newts by their throats, which are pale pink or yellow and free of spots, unlike the spotted throats of smooth newts [2]. Females of both species are almost identical, except for the unspotted throat of palmate newts. The palmate newt gets its name from the black webbing that forms on the males’ hind feet during the breeding season [4]. Additionally, during this period, males develop a thin filament at the tip of their tail, as well as a low crest that extends from their back forming a fin-like shape at the tail.
Life History
Palmate newts can live up to 10 years [13]. Adult palmate newts are semi-aquatic and spend most of their lives on land, except during the breeding season when they reside in ponds. They prefer shallow ponds with abundant aquatic plants on acid-rich soils, typically inhabiting heathlands, moorlands, woodlands and bogs [5,2]. The breeding season usually occurs between March and July, provided weather conditions are favourable and there is an adequate food supply [4]. During this period, frog spawn serves as an important source of nutrition for palmate newts [12]. Female palmate newts lay their eggs individually on the leaves of aquatic plants, depositing 3-7 eggs per day and totalling 200-400 eggs overall. The eggs are approximately 3mm in diameter and are an off-white or greyish-brown colour [7]. The larvae that hatch are distinctly different from adults, characterized by the presence of feathery external gills behind their heads [2]. Additionally, they are wholly aquatic during this stage of their lifecycle. Unlike frog larvae, newt larvae develop their front legs first. By August, they absorb their gills and transition into terrestrial juveniles known as newtlets or efts [11]. Juvenile palmate newts remain on land until they sexually mature after 2-3 years [12].
Once the breeding season comes to an end, adult palmate newts return to land and prepare for winter by feeding on various invertebrates, utilising their sticky tongue to capture their prey [9]. They are primarily active during twilight or at night when on land [12]. This species tends to venture farther from water outside of the breeding season compared to any other newt species [9] They over-winter from November to March, often sheltering in damp soil under logs, rocks, or plant roots, before re-emerging for the next breeding season. This overwintering period resembles hibernation, although palmate newts may come out to forage if when the weather is mild.
Conservation & Threats
Palmate newts are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981; however, this protection only covers their sale and trade [10]. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies this species as Least Concern, yet some populations are in decline [8]. Palmate newts face various threats, including habitat destruction and fragmentation, agricultural and aquacultural activities, the proliferation of invasive species, pollution of breeding ponds, and the impact of droughts exacerbated by climate change [7,8].
