The great crested newt Triturus cristatus reaches up to around 17 cm length and it's skin appears rough. They are brown or black over most of the body, with a bright yellow/orange and black belly pattern. Adult males have jagged crests running along the body and tail. Like all newts, they require freshwater habitats such as ponds for breeding. Eggs are laid singly on pond vegetation in spring, and larvae (called efts) develop over summer to emerge in August – October, normally taking 2–4 years to reach maturity. Juveniles spend most time on land and can travel considerable distance from breeding sites.

Breeding sites are mainly medium-sized ponds, though ditches and other waterbody types may also be used less frequently. Ponds with lots of aquatic vegetation (which is used for egg-laying) are favoured. Great crested newts do not require very high water quality, but are most frequently found in ponds with a neutral pH. Ponds in practically any habitat can be suitable but the most frequent being farmland, woodland, scrub, and grassland.  Great crested newts can be found in rural, urban and post-industrial sites. The surrounding landscape is very important, since great crested newts are often found where there are a cluster of several ponds. Routes that connect these ponds such as hedgerows can be very important, as are winter hibrenation sites in log piles, stone walls and in woodlands.

The Great Crested Newt is legally protected by both UK and European laws. For information on newts and planning applications, please view the planning pages.

The Brecknock and Radnor Amphibian and Reptile Group (BRARG) is a local group of volunteers interested in the conservation of all reptiles and amphibians. For more information about the group, visit the BRARG website

Use the navigation bar on the left to explore other species in the National Park or go back to Biodiversity in the National Park.