The Italian Crested nEWT

Triturus carnifex (Laurenti, 1768)

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Can you see me? Look carefully!

I am the largest European newt (up to 18 cm long) and blend in very well with the Wildlife Park’s lake and fountain vegetation. I am an amphibian, which means that I live both in water (in fish-free ponds, canals and small lakes) and on land (among the wetland undergrowth).

In the aquatic phase, the male Italian Crested Newt has a well-developed dorsal crest which gives the species its name, whereas the female and young have a yellow streak running down their spine.

The Italian Crested Newt is exclusively carnivorous in all phases of its life cycle, from larvae to adult, feeding on small invertebrates and insect larvae.

Unfortunately, the species is under threat due to the loss of its reproductive habitat due to intensive farming and agricultural pollution so, by protecting the environment, you protect the future of the Italian Crested Newt too!