Regeneration of a Great Crested Newt's Foot

A female great crested newt (nick-named Heather) was found in a frozen garden pond in mid January 2011. The left hind foot was missing, perhaps due to frostbite. It was decided to keep the newt in captivity until the temperatures improved and the newt could safely be released. During her short time in captivity she was fed on bloodworms and quickly put on weight. After two weeks it was noticed that her stump was beginning to grow (initially in length only). The newt was released back in to the garden pond and was re-caught on a number of occasions and the progress of the re-growth monitored. After a month and a half, tiny toes had begun to form. By the end of the 2nd month a full, albeit small, foot had regrown (notably four rather than five toes had regenerated).

Great crested newts are a legally protected species and should not be taken from the wild. However, it is not an offence to take a disabled protected animal for the purpose of tending it and returning it to the wild. In this circumstance it was determined that the best course of action (for the survival of the newt) was not to re-release the animal until the weather conditions had improved (i.e. temperatures had risen), as it was felt that the newt may not be able to find a safe enough site to be free of frosts.

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