Smooth Newt / Lissotriton vulgaris / Niút

Smooth Newt / Lissotriton vulgaris / Niút

This amazing amphibian is the only newt found in Ireland. They hibernate, spending the winter months in old log piles that are unlikey to dry out and head to water sources in Spring to breed. Unlike common frogs, which lay masses of jellylike spawn, the female newt will wrap individual eggs in aquatic leaves for protection. Once hatched the larval newts look very similar to frog tadpoles but have feathery gills either side of their head which are absorbed during metamorphosis. It can take up to three years for a newt to reach maturity.

At Castlewellan Forest Park Smooth Newts have been recorded in the Cypress Pond and within the Annesley Walled Garden. When not seen in the water they have been found hiding under plantpots in the glasshouses!