Newts give wildlife experts the slip

WILDLIFE experts are baffled that some parts of the country appear to be newt-free zones.

A new survey carried out by the Irish Wildlife Trust found none of the little native amphibians in counties Tipperary or Louth.

There is also some good and bad news in the newt world – the first record of an alpine newt in Ireland, and a possible case of the virus that kills them in Co Kildare.

The first Irish specimen of an alpine newt, more at home on mainland Europe, was found in Co Galway, and was probably a discarded pet or escapee.

Ranavirus, otherwise known as ‘red-leg disease’, something that has devastated amphibian populations elsewhere, is a cause for concern.

The smooth newt is one of only three amphibians in Ireland and is considered native.

IWT campaigns officer Pádraic Fogarty said: “Can it be that there are really no newts in Louth or Tipperary?.” “Because the newt has historically been under-recorded, it is likely that we still don't have the full picture.

“We still have lots to do, and are calling on people across Ireland to send us their newt sightings.”

The survey highlighted the importance of artificial ponds for newts.

“Garden ponds are clearly a vital habitat, with over half our records from these mini wetlands,” added Mr Fogarty.