Irish Newt Survey 2010

Take Action with IWT's National Newt Survey


Furthering our aim to increase knowledge and awareness of wildlife in Ireland the Irish Wildlife Trust is running the National Newt Survey once again this year. The National Newt Survey is a volunteer based survey of the smooth newt, a native amphibian species. Wetland species such as the smooth newt have come under pressure in Ireland due to the destruction of wetlands, which are an essential habitat for their survival. This survey program is being carried out in order to determine the distribution of this species and the habitats they are using. We are calling on members of the public to take action and get involved.
"An understudied native species, the smooth newt's fate is linked with that of Irish wetlands. There is a clear need to increase our knowledge of this species and how it survives within our landscape" commented Kieran Flood, IWT Survey Coordinator.

Volunteer surveyors will be trained by the IWT in newt surveying techniques as well as field recording skills, after which they will be allocated a area in their locality to survey a three times from now until autumn. This is an opportunity for the public to engage firsthand in the national conservation effort and learn practical wildlife biology skills.

After the success of last years pilot survey the Trust is now expanding the program to a national scale with volunteer training hubs located across the country. The program will bring together and mobilize a network of people interested in the study and conservation of Irish wildlife. From now until August ponds and pools throughout the Irish landscape shall be surveyed for the presence or absence of the smooth newt. The results of the survey will be used to verify the current distribution of the smooth newt in Ireland and to analyse the habitat requirements of this elusive native amphibian. These findings will help highlight potential conservation issues for the smooth newt and their wetland habitat.

Training days are taking place around the country in March and April. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. To register as a surveyor or for more information contact Kieran at newts@iwt.ie or on 01 8602839 or check out: www.iwt.ie

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• newt
• survey
• ireland
• wildlife

[Wojtas764]

Very interesting for me. I love amphibians....

[matthewlvsturtles]

i live in leixlip ireland and i found a newt in a puddle 2 day and i brought it home and put it in my pond