2018_EJRNL_PP_LYNSEY_R__HARVER_1.pdf
Terbatas Rita Nurainni, S.I.Pus
» ITB
Terbatas Rita Nurainni, S.I.Pus
» ITB
Abstract The great crested newt Triturus cristatus
has declined across its range due to habitat loss,
motivating research into biotic and abiotic species
determinants. However, research has focused on
populations in England and mainland Europe. We
examined habitat and survey criteria for great crested
newts in Scotland, with focus on a large, translocated
population. Adult counts throughout the breeding
season were obtained annually using torchlight surveys,
and Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) assessed at
created ponds (N = 24) in 2006 (immediately posttranslocation)
and 2015 (9 years post-translocation).
In 2006, ‘best case’ HSI scores were calculated to
predict habitat suitability should great crested newts
have unrestricted access to terrestrial habitat. Abiotic
criteria included in and omitted from current great
crested newt survey guidelines were assessed using
data recorded in 2015. Some ponds had improved HSI
scores in 2015, but overall failure to meet predicted
scores suggests management is needed to improve
habitat suitability. Great crested newt activity was
positively associated with moon visibility and phase,
air temperature, and pH, but negatively correlated with
water clarity. Importantly, our results indicate there
are abiotic determinants specific to Scottish great
crested newts. Principally, survey temperature thresholds
should be lowered to enable accurate census of
Scottish populations.