Smooth Newt
Smooth Newt is widespread through most of Europe and the range extends into Asia.
The countries of species occurrence include Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom.
The Smooth Newt is also introduced in Australia, most possibly via escapes or illegal release of pets. In 2015 the successfully established population was reported from southeastern Australia. Currently the species is listed as a controlled pest animal, and an invasive species potential cannot be overlooked.
The Smooth Newt is common over much of its native range. The numbers are currently stable.
There are no major threats to the species. Still, some local populations are in decline due to anthropogenic factors that affect the natural feeding an breeding habitats of the species.
Conservation
■ Listed in Appendix III of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats as a protected fauna species.
Taxonomy
■ Phylum Chordata – chordates
■ Class Amphibia – amphibians
■ Order Caudata – salamanders
■ Family Salamandridae – true salamanders and newts
■ Species Lissotriton vulgaris – Smooth Newt
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