Palmate newts prefer shallow water on acidic soil and are common in Scotland. Adults grow up to 9cm in length and they have a smooth skin which can be brown, green or grey. They have an unspotted pink or yellow throat and during the breeding season the males develop a filament at the tip of their tail and webbing on their back feet.
Palmate newts and smooth newts are often confused and incorrectly identified. Additionally, it is very difficult to distinguish palmate newt eggs from smooth newt eggs. These eggs are greyish-brown or dirty white and surrounded by a transparent jelly capsule that is about 3 mm across. Palmate newts deposit eggs individually on the leaves of aquatic plants.
Images: © 2022 Froglife
Action Needed
- Increased habitat creation, restoration & management
- More consideration within the planning process for Palmate Newt in the early stages
- Ensure that the Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan is fully implemented
Threats
Habitat destruction and fragmentation; intensified agriculture; climate change.
MSP Nature Champion
Murdo Fraser
Member for: Mid Scotland and Fife
Region: Mid Scotland and Fife
Party: Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party
