The Alpine Newt

The Alpine newt is an amphibian that fears no cold! It can be found in Alpine lakes at altitudes of up to 2,500 metres. It can adapt to the often extreme temperatures by spreading its reproductive cycle over two years, or even by reproducing as a hatchling: this is known as "neoteny". It is a protected species, vulnerable to the threat of large fish. Fish stocking practices at high altitude lakes threaten the survival of these amphibians in these environments.