Sensation in the Harz: Rare great crested newt discovered in the pond!

Sensation in the Harz: Rare great crested newt discovered in the pond!

An incredible natural miracle has occurred in the Harz Mountains: A great crested newt was discovered in a hidden pond in the Goslar district! This fascinating, dragon-like creature is classified as endangered in Germany and is rarely seen in the wild. The find has excited conservationists and shows that nature always has surprises in store.

The Heinz Sielmann Foundation, which looks after the biotope on the Nette, is overjoyed about this unexpected treasure. “This is a really surprising find,” explains Dr. Maude Erasmy, who is responsible for the biotope network. Their years of efforts to preserve this habitat are now bearing fruit: great crested newts are very picky and need clean, calm waters with plenty of aquatic plants and hedges. That's exactly what this mini dragon finds here!

The Great Crested Newt: A truly unique specimen

With a body length of up to 18 centimeters, the great crested newt is the giant among the domestic newts. What is particularly striking is its shimmering silver crest, which the males wear during mating season. This “back crest” makes many think of a mini dragon and makes the newt a unique sight. But despite the joy of the find, there are challenges: In order to protect the great crested newt in the pond in the long term, the experts have to keep an eye on the fish population, because fish eat newt eggs and thus endanger the offspring. The foundation is doing everything it can to offer this little dragon a secure future.