Editing Smooth newt (section)

==Threats and conservation==

The smooth newt is common over much of its range.{{r|1=iucn|2=Sparreboom2014|p2=237}} The [[IUCN]], in 2008, assessed its threat status as [[Least Concern]] and found no general decline in populations.{{r|iucn}} This assessment included subspecies now recognised as separate species (see section ''Taxonomy'' above) and needs updating.{{r|WielstraCanestrelli2018}} Despite the overall low concern, the smooth newt is listed in some national [[red list]]s, e.g. in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands.{{r|Grosse2011|p=196}} Like all amphibians, it is also listed as protected species in the [[Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats|Berne Convention]] (Appendix III).{{r|bern-convention}} Disturbance, capture, killing and trade are prohibited in Ireland under the [[Wildlife Act 1976]],{{r|Ireland}} and trade in the UK under the [[Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]].{{r|UK}}

Threats to smooth newts are similar to those affecting other amphibians. They include especially the loss of breeding ponds through [[habitat destruction|destruction]] or introduction of fish, and the [[habitat fragmentation|fragmentation]] of population through roads.{{r|Grosse2011|p=196–197}} Secondary habitats can help sustain the species, e.g. former [[gravel pit]]s or [[quarries]] left open.{{r|Grosse2011|p=204–205}} The value of artificial water bodies as habitat can be improved when nearby hiding structures like stones or wood are added on land.{{r|MulkeenGibson-Brabazon2017}} Garden ponds are readily colonised if they are sun-exposed, have abundant water plants, no fish, and nearby hiding structures.{{r|Grosse2011|p=206–218}} Artificial hibernation sites ("newt hotels") were readily used in a study in Norway, especially by juveniles.{{r|DervoMuseth2018}}

To [[Mark and recapture|mark and track]] individuals and monitor populations, researchers have often amputated [[phalanges]] of fingers and toes but these re-grow quickly; a safer and less harmful alternative is recording the individual belly patterns through photography.{{r|Grosse2011|p=223–224}} Researchers have also developed genetic methods based on [[microsatellite]] distribution to assess patterns of [[genetic diversity]].{{r|BuonoGalliani2018}}