The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) is pleased to announce the publication of the 2013 National Smooth Newt Survey report. The project was carried out between March and November 2013 and resulted in 142 smooth newt records from across Ireland being submitted. When the results of the 2013 campaign are added to the results from the previous three years’ newt surveys, a total of 287 newt records have been collected and validated by the IWT to date. This incredible result reflects the hard work, dedication and generosity of the Irish public who volunteered to attend workshops, survey waterbodies in their localities or to simply submit records of casual sightings to us. It is a great example of a ‘citizen science’ project in full swing! The IWT surveys to date have shown that the species is widespread across Ireland with all thirty two counties returning records. However, it is a vulnerable animal to environmental degradation, in particular the loss of wetlands. It is hoped that by increasing awareness of the species, the plight and importance of our wetland habitats will also gain attention. To see the full report log onto our website at iwt.ie If you see a newt or know of a site where they are found, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. An online record submission form is available on the National Biodiversity Data Centre web site, with a facility to upload photographs to accompany your record also available (See the link below). records.biodiversityireland.ie/submit_records.php?fk=SmoothNewtStandard&caching=cache The IWT Smooth Newt Survey is sponsored by Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:00:00 +0000
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