Wildlife

Palmate Newt: Upland Specialist of Acidic Pools

The palmate newt is specialised for upland acidic habitats and faces welfare threats from acidification and climate change.

Key Facts

Palmate newts tolerate lower pH conditions than other British newts
They are the smallest British newt reaching only 9 centimetres in length
Males develop webbed hind feet during the breeding season giving them their name
Palmate newts are found mainly in upland and western areas of Britain
They breed in shallow acidic pools on heathland and moorland

Welfare Considerations

Palmate newts face welfare threats from acidification of upland pools through acid rain and conifer afforestation. Drought caused by climate change can desiccate their small breeding pools before larvae complete metamorphosis. Loss of heathland and moorland habitat reduces terrestrial feeding habitat. Road mortality during migration affects populations near upland roads.

What You Can Do

Support peat bog and heathland restoration that maintains acidic pool habitats
Monitor palmate newt populations in upland areas and submit records to ARG UK
Oppose inappropriate drainage of upland pools used for amphibian breeding
Campaign for continued reduction of acid rain emissions affecting upland water quality
Participate in citizen science surveys that track upland amphibian populations