Gartcosh great crested newts: the story so far

The Gartcosh Industrial Site, North Lanarkshire is home to the largest known population of great crested newts (Triturus cristatus,) in Scotland. Economic development of the site required the translocation of the great crested newt and four other amphibian species from existing ponds to a purpose built reserve around the periphery. Monitoring the effectiveness of translocation as a mitigation method has shown that in this case, the breeding adult population is being maintained at levels comparable with the previous site although there are indications of possible declines with other life stages. Longer term monitoring is required at a level more in-depth than currently planned. The aquatic and terrestrial habitat created appears sufficient to support the population although there are problems with fragmentation, both within the site and connections to external locations. There is still pressure for further development in an area that could affect the newt population.