Amphibians
The woodland ponds hold one of Britain's largest known populations of the Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus. It has been estimated that up to 3000 animals breed in the ponds each year. The species has been the subject of three postgraduate research theses mainly looking at the ecology of the species during its terrestrial phase.
Although widespread across Britain, Great Crested Newts tend to be localised and their numbers are declining in many areas. The UK provides the global stronghold for this European species and, consequently, it is listed as a priority species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP). Because of the large Great Crested Newt population and the amount of research undertaken on this species, most of Little Wittenham Nature Reserve is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a SAC (Special Area of Conservation).
The reserve supports an exceptional population of Common Toad, Bufo bufo, estimated during the 1990s at around 10,000 breeding animals. There are also good numbers of Smooth Newt, T. vulgaris, and Common Frog, Rana temporia. The Grass Snake, Natrix natrix, a reptile, is commonly seen around most of the ponds, often in pursuit of frogs, and elsewhere on the reserve. The SSSI designation also cites these breeding amphibians and dragonflies.
To find out more about Amphibian Research at Little Wittenham Nature Reserve click here.
