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RAUK - Archived Forum - What is it?

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What is it?:

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martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
When clearing part of our garden, I came across several reptiles. Not having a clue about them, I wondered if someone could help me identify them please?
They are about an inch and a half long. They are a beautiful dappled blue/ black back with a slightly raised ridge running down its back. This slight ridge contains a little bit of orange. The front toes also contain some orange. Their tummies are almost completely orange.
Looking forward to hearing back from somebody.

Many thanks


martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
I have photographs of them if this will aide identification.
Iowarth
Admin Group
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 222


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Hi Martin
While I could hazard an educated guess as to what they are, photographs always help and are always welcome.
You can upload a digital shot simply by clicking the image upload button (last button in the first row above), browse to the image on your PC and click OK.
All the best
Chris

Chris Davis, Site Administrator
Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme
martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Thanks for the quick response Chris:
kevinb
Senior Member
Joined: 18 Mar 2009
No. of posts: 61


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Looks like an Alpine newt
Paul Hudson
Member
Joined: 24 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 33


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009

Hi ,Most defintely an alpine newt ,a young male , Which county was it found in just out of interest ? 


Paul Hudson
martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Leicestershire. I don't know a thing about them. Are they common in Leicestershire?
martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
On another forum in which I posted the same question and pictures, someone has said they are great crested. Is there any chance they could be great crested?
Iowarth
Admin Group
Joined: 12 Apr 2004
No. of posts: 222


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Hi Martin

I am not aware of any previous records in Leicestershire - although I do stand to be corrected on this issue. As an alien species they are almost always the result of escapes from captivity, and, sadly, on occasion deliberate (and for nearly 20 years, illegal) releases. Once established they can become locally common but across the UK as a whole they would be regarded as very rare.
So far as the other forum is concerned they might be regarded as being similar to Great Crested by someone not very familiar with either species. But, a Great Crested Newt's colouration is black with white stippling and its underside is heavily blotched in black.Additionally they are considerably larger. Basically, to the knowledgeable eye they are totally different.
Regards
Chris

Chris Davis, Site Administrator
Co-ordinator, Sand Lizard Captive Breeding Programme
martinfitzuk
Member
Joined: 16 Aug 2009
No. of posts: 6


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Posted: 16 Aug 2009
Many thanks for all your help and knowledge

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