Initial orientation of newts (Triturus vulgaris, T. cristatus) following short– and long–distance displacements

Abstract

Homeward orientation of smooth newts Triturus vulgaris and crested newts T. cristatus was measured following short– and long–distance passive displacement. Individuals were tested in arena experiments at release sites distributed symmetrically at 213–230 m distance (area of previous migratory experience) and at 2.225–3.270 km around the breeding pond. Newts were transported by car and had probably reduced access to outward journey information, but full access to local orientation clues at the release site during the night and early morning before testing. Within the area of migratory experience, the initial directional choice of both species was significantly directed to home. Outside the area of familiarity, the initial orientation was indistinguishable from random. This finding contradicts results obtained by other authors with a similar experimental design and using five distinct newt species. It remains to be tested to what degree differences among the results depend on the species used, on displacement distances, and/or on the geographic area.