Newt survey call for volunteers

The smooth newt survey organised by the Irish Wildlife Trust will be running again in 2012, writes County Kildare Heritage Officer Bridget Loughlin, and the Trust is calling on people to once again get out and search their local pond for newts.

The smooth newt is one of our few native amphibian species and this survey aims to increase our knowledge of the distribution of the species. It is also hoped to make Irish people more familiar with this little ‘water dragon’, so that they will value it as part of our natural heritage.

This year the survey will be focussing in counties where where there are currently few or no records, including county Kildare. A training day will be taking place on April 1 at NUI Maynooth.

If you would like to attend the training day, you must register with the IWT. Members of the Irish Wildlife Trust can attend the workshop for free. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. To register as a surveyor or for more information contact Dr Daniel Buckley at newts@iwt.ie or on 0863691982 or check out the website.

This project is funded by Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park.


Click on the ad for more information.