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Vinpootsalamander Lissotriton helveticus

Foto: M. Vos-Jaspers

Indeling

Salamandridae [familie]
helveticus [soort]

Distribution

The palmate newt is present only in the provinces of Noord-Brabant and Limburg; some 60% of the occupied kilometre squares are situated in the former and some 40% in the latter province. It is peculiar that apparently suitable habitats in the central and northern part of the country are uninhabited. It is assumed that the broad band of clay surrounding the large rivers in the centre of the country (especially river Rhine) has been a barrier for this species.

Status

The palmate newt is listed on the Red List as vulnerable. It is strictly protected under Dutch legislation and is listed on the Bern Convention (Annex iii). The coverage of the palmate newt in the Netherlands decreased by about 30% since 1950. The reclamation of heathlands and heathland pools into farmland and coniferous forests during the 20th century is the major cause of this decline. Most probably lowering of ground water levels and acidification has also contributed to the decline. Recent pond creation schemes have led to local and regional recoveries. The recent substantial decrease of the acidity of many moorland pools will most probably benefit this newt.

Remarks

In Europe the palmate newt is considered a species of hilly landscapes and even mountainous areas. In the Netherlands it is present in the hilly parts of southern Limburg, but also in heathlands and forests in the lowlands at an altitude as low as 10 m above sea level (western part of Noord-Brabant). Neoteny is known from several populations in the Netherlands. In the well-studied Hamert population (Limburg) neotenous animals have been found since the 1970s and in some years in large numbers.

Bron

Auteur(s)

Geraeds, R.P.G.

Publicatie

  • Creemers, R.C.M. & J.J.C.W. van Delft 2009. De amfibieĆ«n en reptielen van Nederland. Nederlandse Fauna 9. Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum Naturalis, KNNV Uitgeverij & European Invertebrate Survey-Nederland, Leiden.