Ommatotriton – Banded newts

These newts have lizard-shaped bodies with four legs and long tails. Most have smooth and moist skin and grainy skin. Most species have well-developed lungs, while some retain gills and are completely aquatic.

These newts are active during the day while others are active at night. Most members in this genus live in humid habitats with abundant cover such as logs, rocks, or earth holes. They have the extraordinary ability to regenerate limbs, eyes, spinal cords, hearts, intestines, and upper and lower jaws.

They are currently threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and pollution. Several species are Endangered and require our immediate attention.