Palmate newt protection

​Why they are protected

You can find the palmate newt across the Island, however recorded numbers are low. This could be due to under recording or a decline in the species.

Palmate newts are the only species of newt found in Jersey. It is an amphibian.

They are often mistaken for small lizards when on land. Unlike lizards, newts lack scales and move quite slowly.

We currently don’t know much about the decline of palmate newts in Jersey. They inhabit many ponds across the Island and are usually the first amphibian to colonise new ponds. However we believe that numbers are declining.

Threats newts face include:

• habitat loss due to development and change in land use
• predation pressure
• water shortages

Palmate newts are protected by the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021.

Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 gui​dance

Palmate newt on Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

Palmate Newt Ecology on Jersey Biodiversity Centre

Habitat, breeding and diet

Palmate newts are found in and around their breeding ponds in areas such as:

• heathland
• wetlands
• woodlands
• gardens
• some farmland

They prefer slightly softer water with a higher pH. 

Newts can travel far from their breeding ponds and will take shelter under log or rock piles and within wall crevices.

They hibernate underground, in tree roots and old walls.

You can sometimes find them inside buildings.

Conservation efforts

The conservation programmes we have relating to other protected amphibian species also benefit the palmate newt. This includes:

• creating new ponds
• making sure there’s a good standard of water quality across the Island

How you can help

Pondwatch JE

Pondwatch JE is a project by the Jersey Biodiversity Centre (JBC). It aims to gather sightings of Jersey’s pondlife to assess their:

• level of conservation
• distribution on the Island
• habitat requirements

Everyone can be involved depending on your interest, available time and experience.

You can also record your sightings of pond wildlife.

Pondwatch JE on JBC

Report your wildlife sightings

Reporting your wildlife sightings helps us understand our species, supports our research and informs decision-making.

Report your wildlife sightings​