Statewide Survey for the Striped Newt

In 2005, concerns about the status of the striped newt in Florida led Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) researchers to initiate a statewide survey to determine how many populations remain and to try to find new ones. The initial survey effort began in 2008 and ended in 2011. During that timeframe, researchers surveyed 714 ponds on 38 public conservation lands. Striped newts were documented in only 44 of those ponds. Striped newt populations in the panhandle have experienced a severe decline since 2000. This statewide survey confirmed that the species’ range has shrunk, so researchers are continuing to survey additional locations and check previously-sampled ponds to gather more recent information and continue to monitor the status of striped newts in Florida.