Smooth Newt

Native to large parts of Europe and western Asia it was first detected in the wild in Australia in Melbourne in 2011, likely released or escaped from the pet industry. Studies have confirmed it has successfully established wild populations in south-eastern Australia. More research is needed to understand its spread and its impact on biodiversity. Smooth newts are semi-aquatic amphibians and adults measure approximately 10cm.

This species eDNA probe was developed for the incursion first detected in the Dandenongs in Victoria and has been used to monitor its spread in this region.