Dr Robert Jehle R.Jehle@salford.ac.uk
Associate Professor/Reader
Post-breeding migrations of newts (Triturus cristatus and
T. marmoratus) with contrasting ecological requirements
Jehle, R; Arntzen, JW
Authors
JW Arntzen
Abstract
Two newt species with contrasting ecological requirements (Triturus cristatus and T. marmoratus) were
radio-tracked after leaving a shared breeding pond in western France. Movements of 30 individuals were
recorded over 491 days. During the ®rst terrestrial night, the newts migrated with high directionality up to
137 m to their refuges. Burrows of small mammals were among the favourite refuges. Movements after the
®rst night were mostly underground and over shorter distances (< 6.8 m). Sixty-four per cent of all tracked
newts stayed within 20 m of the pond edge, and migrations were recorded up to 146 m away from the
pond. Both species preferred areas with bushes, hedgerows and trees, and avoided pastures and open areas.
Migration in the direction of a habitat type characterized by trees and underground shelters was favoured
over migrations in other directions. A clear terrestrial niche separation between the two newt species was
not observed. The results are discussed in relation to previous ®ndings that T. cristatus supersedes
T. marmoratus as a consequence of anthropogenic change to the terrestrial environment, affecting the
species differentially.
Citation
T. marmoratus) with contrasting ecological requirements. Journal of Zoology, 251, 297-306
| Journal Article Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | Jan 1, 2000 |
| Deposit Date | Oct 30, 2009 |
| Journal | Journal of Zoology, London |
| Print ISSN | 0952-8369 |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
| Volume | 251 |
| Pages | 297-306 |
| Keywords | amphibians, migration, radio-tracking, Triturus cristatus, Triturus marmoratus |
| Publisher URL | http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118535410/home |