Found in 3 subspecies, the Palmate Newts are European newts that are quite common in different parts of Europe.However, the population of these amphibians is dwindling in some countries where they have been declared as ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’, and are protected by law.

Scientific Name – Lissotritonhelveticus

Classification – Lissotriton

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – eft

Collective Noun – Herd, congress

Length/Size – Up to 9.5 cm

Weight – 1.5 to 2.39g

Life Expectancy – 6 yearsaverage (up to 10 years)

Mating Season – April to May

Special Features – The females are almost a centimeter larger than the males

Geographical Distribution – Western parts of Europe including Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium, where the population has gone down to the level of being ‘endangered’, as well as in Poland and Spain, where they are considered as a ‘vulnerable’ species, and in UK

Natural Habitat – Prefer marshy places like canals, ponds, lakes, as well as agricultural land, forests, and pasture

Conservation Status – Least Concern

Diet – Small crustaceans and invertebrates, daphnia, planktons, insect larvae, water snails, tadpoles; display cannibalism at times

Predators – Birds of prey, cats, larger newts and other reptiles including snake