The Herpetological Journal

pp.97-101

Authors: D. W. Yalden

Abstract: I. Surveys of the distribution of newts, Triturus spp. in the Peak District show a distinct geographical separation between the species. T vulgaris and T cristatus occur principally on the Carboniferous Limestone, in ponds of pH >7.0. T helveticus occurs on the Carboniferous Millstone Grit and Shales in more acid ponds of pH <7.0.
2. However, the attitudinal distribution of these species s hows that T. helveticus is not a 'montane' species, as h as been alleged, but occurs mostly in ponds below I OOO ft (305m) . whereas T. vulgaris and T cristatus occur mostly in ponds above that height.
3. Both field work and inspection of the I :25,000 O.S. maps indicate an abundance of small field ponds suitable as breeding ponds for T vulgaris and T cristatus. Though population sizes in any one pond may be small, the overall density of ponds suggests that total population are high, a n d o f no immediate conservation concern .