Crushed hair
Northern Great Crested Newt / Större vattensalamander / Great Crested Newt
Crushed hair
Illustration: Crested Shrew
Information about this species.
This species is an important part of the ecosystems in Västerbotten.
Facts & Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Triturus cristatus
- Category / Order: Amphibien & Reptilien
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten: Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden: Native to Northern Sweden
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
Why is the great crested newt considered an indicator species for ecologically intact hemiboreal wetlands?
Triturus cristatus has high demands on its breeding waters: they must be fish-free, sun-exposed, deep enough to avoid premature drying, and rich in submerged vegetation (for egg deposition). Its presence signals intact metapopulation networks without severe eutrophication.
What impact does the drainage of peatlands and wet forests have on local populations?
The historical and recent drainage of mire margins and the introduction of fish isolate populations. The loss of permanent and temporary small water bodies disrupts gene flow and trophic cascades, leading rapidly to local extinction. Peatland restoration specifically counteracts this.