Habitat requirements and conservation needs of peripheral populations : the case of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in the Scottish Highlands

摘要: Edge populations are of conservation importance because their roles as reservoirs evolutionary potential and in understanding a given species’ ecological needs. Mainly due to loss aquatic breeding sites, the great crested newt Triturus cristatus is amongst fastest declining amphibian species Europe. Focusing on north-westerly limit T. range, Scottish Highlands, we aimed characterise habitat requirements needs an isolated set edge populations. We recorded 129 pond-related environmental parameters, used variable selection procedure followed by random forest analysis build predictive model for present occurrence, well population persistence incorporating data losses. The most important variables predicting occurrence were associated with pond quality, shore surrounding terrestrial (especially mixed Pinus sylvestris–Betula woodland), differed from those identified core range. propose that management creation should focus locally favourable characteristics improve status resilience This collaborative work, between agencies scientific researchers, presented illustrative example linking research, conservation.