The great crested newt is one of the UK's most legally protected amphibians, and its welfare depends on the availability of high-quality ponds and surrounding terrestrial habitat.
Great crested newt welfare depends on the quality of both aquatic breeding habitat and terrestrial foraging and hibernating habitat. Introduction of fish to breeding ponds eliminates populations rapidly - fish predation on eggs, larvae, and adults is completely incompatible with newt welfare and reproduction. Agricultural intensification removing hedgerows, rough grassland, and log piles eliminates terrestrial refugia, stranding newts away from suitable terrestrial habitat. Road mortality during autumn migration to hibernation sites and spring migration back to ponds is significant near urban-rural interfaces. Pond creation and management for great crested newts is one of the most effective and achievable conservation welfare actions available to landowners.