FAQs about newts: being preyed on

Amphibians have numerous predators (Fred Holmes)

WILDLIFE INFORMATION SERVICE

Frequently Asked Questions about... newts:

Newts are being preyed upon, what can be done?

Amphibians form a crucial diet of many wildlife species so you can expect to see a number of predators in your garden. Some amphibian predators, like grass snakes, have disappeared from many parts of the UK where they once thrived; having these animals in your garden is a privilege.

Cats, however, can pose a persistent problem. While some cats may ignore amphibians, others will catch, play with and sometimes kill them; newts can not escape as quickly as frogs can. Adding a variety of places in your garden for amphibians to hide when disturbed is the best long-term advice. Log piles, rockeries, dense low-growing foliage and water bodies can all provide places where newt, frogs and toads can hide and cats have trouble getting their paws in to. 'Cat scarers' are another alternative method to consider.

We would advise that pond-owners avoid using pond-netting. Sometimes the animals you're trying to attract (like grass snakes or hedgehogs) can become caught and die.

More information:

Dragons in your Garden. >>>

Amphibian disease. >>>