Good new(t)s: Rapid recolonization of a restored fish‐invaded habitat by two newt species in southern Italy

Abstract

Abstract Habitat modification and invasive species are considered some of the most impelling causes of the ongoing sixth mass extinction, especially in freshwater ecosystems. Artificial water troughs are, in this regard, particularly vulnerable environments, while being pivotal breeding habitats for many amphibian species. However, despite their well‐known importance and their conservation concern, detailed information on the resilience of such ecosystems is lacking. This note describes the events following the introduction of invasive fish species into a water trough in southern Italy and reconstructs the recolonization times of two newt species (Lissotriton italicus, Triturus carnifex) after disappearance of the fish a few months later. As expected, both newt species were no longer observed in the water as soon as the fish were introduced in the trough. However, in contrast to previous reports, they recolonized it within 2 months of the last observation of fish and, in the case of L. italicus, bred shortly after. Although the short permanence of fish in the trough may have facilitated the recolonization process, this event represents the fastest recolonization by newts of a restored habitat ever reported in the wild and sheds further insights on the resilience of amphibian species.