Intern doing research on the crested newt

Emilie Bastiaens, a master's student in Biodiversity, Conservation and Restoration at the University of Antwerp will be doing an internship at Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide from April to May 2021. During this internship, she will investigate how the population of Great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) in the Grenspark is evolving compared to previous years. By sampling 10 different fens/pools within the Grenspark several times for the presence of crested newts, the current population size can be estimated. Thus, a comparison can be made with surveys from previous years.
If a crested newt is caught, it takes a photo of the belly mark (yellow/orange with a unique black spotting pattern) so that it can be recognised when recaptured. Through this method, the migration of crested newts within the area can also be mapped. In addition to this, weather patterns are also documented during sampling to check whether there might be a link between capture and weather conditions. Since the crested newt is endangered in Belgium, this study can contribute to the conservation and recovery of this species and its population within the Grenspark.