Lissotriton vulgaris paedomorphs in south-western Romania: a consequence of a human modified habitat ?

A Lissotriton vulgaris paedomorph population was identified for the first time ever in south-western Romania. The occurrence of this paedomorphosis is explained by the particularities of the area, the newts inhabiting a permanent but artificial habitat, surrounded by agricultural fields. Thus, the presence of an acceptable aquatic habitat together with the absence of a suitable terrestrial one triggered the occurrence of paedomorphosis.