Newts are a type of amphibian that look a lot like salamanders. However, unlike salamanders, newts spend most or all of their life in the water. They are descended from salamanders, but they separated about sixty million years. Now, are found in many temperate parts of the world, including Asia, North Africa, Europe and North America.

Newts are popular among pond owners. They are charming, beautiful animals in their own right. A pond with a population of newts also means that the pond is very healthy because these creatures have some specific vital needs. If you are thinking to colonize the pond with newts, or set to attract these little creatures, here’s some information that might help.

Newts often are food for other creatures. This means that having newts could attract some birds to your pond, and also means you have to pay attention to what is living in and around if you want to keep your newt population alive. Carnivorous fish tend to choose these small lizard-like creatures, making it difficult to keep the population up. Also, if ducks frequent the pond, they can eat the vegetation that the newts use to hide their eggs. This does not mean you have to chase all predatory birds away or transfer all of the fish out of the newt pond, but it’s a good idea to try to provide a habitat and other conditions that encourage a thriving population that will not be damaged by too many predators.

Other hazards that can kill native newts is a small pond that requires a circulation pump, because newts can be sucked into the pump and killed. Even if you use wire mesh, these pumps can kill very small newts. You can solve this problem by using an ultra fine mesh, or by placing the pump under a pot with a hole in it. Remember to use a screen over the hole as well. These methods reduce the number of newts you will lose, and make it less unpleasant to clean the filter.

Newts do not need very deep water, and prefer slopes with lots of plants. High density weeds will encourage them. A well designed  environment will assist you in developing a large population that will be able to withstand predatory fish and birds. Although the tadpoles and young newts will be the most common victims, a healthy pond will have enough new births that your population will  increase. Expect to see baby newts around April and May, if your animals are breeding. You can either make your pond suitable for the local species of newt that you’d like to attract (specific conditions vary by species) or purchase newts and stock your pond. The second is more expensive, but also gives you a better chance of seeing these animals live and grow in your waters.

Female Palmate Newt in my garden pond.