Post-breeding migrations of newts (Triturus cristatus and
T. marmoratus) with contrasting ecological requirements

Jehle, R; Arntzen, JW

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.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2000
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2009
• Journal: Journal of Zoology, London
• Print ISSN: 0952-8369
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-7998
• 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