Homepage RAUK e-Forum On-line record submission form
| Species native
to the United Kingdom Introduced or alien species Alien species that present a threat to wildlife |
Alpine Newt - Mesotriton (formerly Triturus) alpestris - Alien
|
Identification Tailed Amphibian - smooth skin Dorsal Surface, brown, green or grey above sometimes marbled Ventral Surface, deep orange or red unspotted. The unspotted belly is not typical of our three native newt species. Flanks, often some blue, spotted with black Male has a low yellow crest with black markings Adults up to 12 cm UK Distribution Colonies reported from Kent, East Surrey, South-East London, Birmingham, Shropshire, Sunderland and Central Scotland. Status Exotic - The Alpine Newt has been deliberately introduced into the UK. It is not thought to currently pose a threat to our native herpetofauna. |
 © Paolo Mazzei Adult Male Alpine Newt  © Paolo Mazzei Adult Female Alpine Newt |
|
Release of exotic species into the wild is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This includes introduction of exotic or alien species that may already have become established. The interpretation of "wild" in the act includes private gardens from which escape is possible. |
| © all images on this site are
copyright. Please obtain the original copyright holders permission before
reproducing images no part of this work may be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission of the author |