The Northern Crested Newt
Northern Crested Newt, alasivun pääkuva
Northern Crested Newt, sivun otsikko
The Northern Crested Newt
Northern Crested Newt
Have you heard of the Northern crested newt, Finland's rarest amphibian and the mascot for the city of Joensuu?
The northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus; ‘rupilisko’ or ‘rupimanteri’ in Finnish), is an amphibian belonging to the group of salamanders, found in Finland only in the Åland Islands and Eastern Finland. This mysterious salamander is especially common in Joensuu, where a large portion of the known habitats for Northern crested newts in Finland are located.
Joensuu has even been called the "Northern Crested Newt Capital of Finland," and the city has chosen this animal as its mascot. The sharp-eyed might have spotted a reference to the newt in the urban landscape of Joensuu's city center, as a newt-inspired playground called "Rupimanteri" was built a few years ago on the pedestrian street for children.
The northern crested newt is recognizable by its bumpy skin and distinctive coloring. The back color ranges from black to dark gray or dark brown, while the bright yellow-orange belly is adorned with dark spots. During the breeding season, the male develops a two-part crest on its back and tail.
The habitat of the northern crested newt varies depending on the season and the individual's stage of development. During the breeding and larval stages, they live in water, making small, fishless forest ponds with suitable vegetation crucial for them. However, they spend most of their life on land near breeding ponds. They particularly thrive in deciduous forests with plenty of decaying wood.
In the summer of 2021, it was possible to follow the life of the northern crested newt through WWF's Nature Live Stream.
Northern Crested Newt, videoupotus
The Northern Crested Newt – Climate Change Threatens the Northern Crested Newt
Climate Change Threatens the Northern Crested Newt
The northern crested newt is widespread in Europe, but in Finland, it is classified as critically endangered. The primary threats to the crested newt are changes in its habitats, and a new challenge to its conservation is posed by climate change. In particular, the draining of wetlands affects the newt's vital ponds and wetlands, while logging and peat extraction near these ponds alter the land and water habitats in ways that are unfavorable to the species.
Milder winters due to climate change weaken the northern crested newt's hibernation. Low snowfall and dry summers can also cause ponds to dry up, making reproduction difficult. Habitats for the northern crested newt are protected under the Nature Conservation Act to ensure the species' survival in the future. Additionally, climate action is an essential part of protecting endangered animal species.
Northern Crested Newt - Climate Joensuu nostoboksi
Northern Crested Newt – New Breeding Ponds Through Collaboration
New Breeding Ponds Through Collaboration
In North Karelia, new breeding ponds have been constructed for the northern crested newt, and they have successfully settled into them. As part of the METSO project 2011–2013, 18 new ponds were dug in the northern crested newt's habitat over two years, and monitoring has revealed signs of successful breeding. In addition to creating new ponds, the living conditions for the northern crested newt have been improved by deepening existing ponds and restoring the surrounding environments.
In Joensuu, various stakeholders have been involved in protecting the city's mascot. For example, the Ilosaarirock festival has donated funds for habitat restoration, and the Joensuu-based children's music band Hullut Hattuset composed a theme song for the northern crested newt.
Photo of the northern crested newt by Ville Vuorio.
Northern Crested Newt, nosto
This mysterious salamander is especially common in Joensuu, where a large portion of its habitats in Finland are located.