LIFE Aqua Trito

The Montseny brook newt, Calotriton arnoldi comprises two subspecies (C. arnoldi arnoldi and C. arnoldi laietanus), which became geographically separated approximately 125,000 years ago. This species is endemic to the ZEC Montseny (Montseny Special Area of Conservation - Montseny SAC), code: ES 5110001) and is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN, making it one of the most threatened amphibians in Western Europe. The population is extremely small, with less than 3,500 individuals, and its natural distribution is limited to eight isolated mountain streams, spanning about 18 km.

Most of these populations are located on private properties. The Montseny brook newt is highly specialized for living in mountain streams and it depends highly on pristine river habitats. Streams in Montseny are currently under threat from climate change and human activities such as logging and water extraction.
The primary aim of this project is to restore the riparian habitats of the mountain streams in ZEC Montseny to prevent the extinction of the Montseny brook newt, in line with the main objective of the C.arnoldi Recovery Plan, developed in LIFE Trito Montseny and approved by competent regional administration.

The overall expected outcomes are to consolidate the conservation of the Montseny brook newt and expand its distribution, enhance the value of riparian habitats, promote their recovery throughout ZEC Montseny, and engage society, particularly the local population, in the conservation of our natural heritage.