Great crested newts are protected under UK and EU law but continue to decline due to pond loss and degradation. They are considered an indicator of high-quality freshwater habitats.
Pond infilling and neglect are the primary welfare threats, destroying breeding habitat and forcing animals to attempt breeding in unsuitable water bodies. Newts displaced to poor-quality ponds suffer higher predation and disease risk. Handling without appropriate precautions can damage their permeable skin and cause physiological stress. Illegal collection reduces wild populations and involves significant capture stress.