A review of potential alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) impacts on native frogs in New Zealand

• Published in: Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand Vol. 46; no. 3-4; pp. 214 - 231
• Main Author: Bell, BD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wellington Taylor & Francis 01.10.2016; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Anura; Archey's frog; Biosecurity; conservation; Cynops; Endangered species; Frogs; Hochstetter's frog; Introduced amphibians; invasive species; Leiopelma; Leiopelma archeyi; New Zealand; Newts; Reptiles & amphibians; Salamandridae; PSE, New Zealand; ANE, Europe
• ISSN: 0303-6758; 1175-8899; 1175-8899
• DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2016.1216455

The alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) is an adaptable European amphibian occupying a range of habitats from low to high elevation within its native range. The Italian subspecies I. a. apuana, illegally introduced to New Zealand, has established geographically close to habitats of Archey's frog (Leiopelma archeyi) and Hochstetter's frog (L. hochstetteri). The newt's introductions in Europe suggest competitive impacts on local amphibians were not severe, although as a disease and parasite vector its impact may have been underestimated in the past. The most identifiable risk to native frog populations in New Zealand is introduction of new diseases or parasites, although the newt may have wider ecological impact should it substantially invade native frog habitats. Alpine newts need eradicating from New Zealand as soon as possible, while the status of captive-held fire-bellied newts (Cynops spp.) also requires review, given their disease risk and their potential for release into the wild.