Alpine newt
Alpine newt (Mesotriton alpestris) is an amphibian from order Caudata (Urodela). Females can reach up to 12 cm in length, while males are a bit shorter. Alpine newt distinguishes from other newt species by single-coloured orange belly. Back is dark grey, blackish or bluish. In mating season males have a narrow crest with sequential yellow and black bars, and blue to silvery white lateral band with black speckling. Females are generally browner with a marbled dorsal surface.
Upper smaller photo - male of alpine newt; larger photos - female (left) and male (right) of alpine newt.
Alpine newt spend the active part of the year mainly in water, where it feeds and reproduces. In autumn migrates to land, where it hibernates. Alpine newt can be found from lowlands to up to 2000 m above sea level, where it inhabits various waters - pools, lakes and ditches, rarely slower streams. Waters can be shallow or deep, often cool, shady and with little vegetation. After mating, females lay cca. 50 eggs individually in the leaves of submergent aquatic plants or simply on the pond base. Larvae hatch from eggs with large feathery gills. After the metamorphosis into adults they loose gills and start breathing with lungs and skin. In nature they live to see around 7 years.
Threats
Alpine newt is listed on the Red List of the Republic of Slovenia as vulnerable species. Main threats represent fish input and loss of appropriate breeding habitats (drainage of wetlands and aquatic pollution).
