Newtapalooza

The Eastern newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) is an interesting amphibian.  One particularly fascinating aspect of its life is its 4-stage life cycle - egg, aquatic larva, terrestrial eft, then aquatic adult.  Most other woodland salamanders will hatch from an egg, live as an aquatic larva, and then metamorphose into a terrestrial adult.  Examples of such species are our very own blue-spotted, spotted, and tiger salamanders.  Other interesting characteristics of the Eastern newt, and newts in general, are its rough skin and toxicity.

Here in northern Illinois, the newts are of the central newt subspecies (Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis).  Their natural range is spotty, and their numbers in the Chicago region are rather low.  Like other amphibians, they are particularly vulnerable due to their delicate nature and the fact that they require multiple environments in order to reproduce and survive.  If a population of newts are found in a pristine woodland habitat but are forced to live and breed in water that has been polluted by runoff, then it doesn't matter a whole lot how good of quality the woodland is.  The same can be said of the opposite - If the newts have access to clean water but the surrounding landscape has been compromised, it is just a matter of time before the newts are gone.  Most local wetlands, ponds, and streams have either been filled, channelized, or drained since the arrival of Europeans.  Many others still exist but have been so heavily engineered that only the most hardy amphibians could survive (bullfrogs, etc).  A lot of these kinds of water bodies are now the selling point for brand new, sprawling subdivisons.  Some artificial ponds, such as suburban overflow basins or stormwater retention ponds, create suitable habitat, but again for species such as bullfrogs, and not so much for other amphibians.  It would seem that central newts in the Chicago region are only found where the appropriate habitat is protected - forest preserves.  And even there, some populations are vulnerable to heavy human activity, introduced game fish such as bluegill, pollution, and invasive species (to name a few).

Few things make me happier than witnessing uncommon species persisting in the right habitat near my home.  There is one preserve I go to to find central newts, and I am never skunked.  I find them when it is 42 degrees outside in April like today, and I find them when it is in the 90's in July or August.  They are a joy to find and to learn about.  I only worry that since these animals are in fact so restricted to relatively small parcels of protected land, they are all the more susceptible to human impacts or even "acts of God" such as an unusually harsh drought.  That's why I am a huge advocate of natural habitat conservation.  Setting aside large plots of land to remain undeveloped is key.  Then, coordinating restoration efforts if and when necessary.  Limiting human intrusion is ideal.  Banning practices such as off-roading, campfires and grilling, and off-leash dogs is important.  All of these activities put extra pressure on the plants and animals living there.  Many people are more than satisfied with the amount of undeveloped natural space that is available in the area.  But I would implore you to look at an aerial map such as Google maps.  Scan over the Chicago suburbs and exurbs.  Notice the wide, irregular blotches of new subdivisions, many of which creep along or into wooded areas and ponds/streams.  Many of those ponds' and streams' denizens are marked for death by developers looking to make a quick buck selling huge, crudely-constructed McMansions.

Off on a tangent much?  Yeah, I know.

I am happy to report a total of five central newts were found today, all underneath logs, having recently risen from their subterranean lairs.  Another highlight were the bald eagles - three of them.  I have never seen bald eagles this close to Chicago.  They were being harassed by gulls way up in the sky, too far up for me to get a good photo, so I just stood and watched.

Flooded woodland depression.  Multiple newt efts were found in this area.

Detail of oak leaves under water.

 The first newt I encountered.  Without hesitation, it assumed the unken reflex - a position used to ward off predators by revealing the colorful belly.  In many cases in nature, bright colors mean bad tasting or toxic.  Such is the case with these newts!

More of the famous "Don't you dare eat me" pose.

Notice the rough skin texture of the newt.

These newts have beautiful yellow (or orange) ventrals (undersides) with small black spots.

A group of three TINY efts, all found together in a cluster under a big log.

These three were returned unscathed to their depression under the log.

A big black ash - at least it used to be.  A victim of the emerald ash borer beetle.

 One of many tufts of green sphagnum moss.  Spring is here.