Crested dragons…

In Life in Cold Blood, we learn of the first tentative steps made by amphibians onto land, and look at the clues given by the giant Japanese salamander, one of the largest amphibians on Earth. The UK version of this colossus is the Great Crested Newt. Although less than 16cm, this newt has some pretty prehistoric features itself, not least the remarkable jagged crest found on males during the breeding season. Unlike the dinosaurs and many of the reptiles featured in Life in Cold Blood, the crest isn’t for heat regulation, rather it assists with oxygen absorption: the last thing a male wants to do while trying to attract successfully a female, is to keep having to swim to the surface for air…

The best way to help amphibians in your area is to consider digging a pond in your back garden. As well as benefiting a host of other wildlife, putting in a pond also allows you to look at and study amphibians up-close and personal – plus it gives you the chance to help in national campaigns like Froglife’s ‘Frogwatch’ and ‘Frog and Toad Garden Survey’. For simple advice on installing your pond, contact Froglife’s Pond Heaven, our booklet on garden ponds see our Frogalogue.

Next: Episode 3 - Dragon's Den UK

Episode 1: Cold Blooded in a Cold Climate
Episode 2: Battlefield Pond
Episode 3: Dragon's Den UK
Episode 4: Snakes in the City
Episode 5: Visitors to UK Shores
Epilogue: Froglife in Cold Blood

BBC Life in Cold Blood
ARG UK
British Herpetological Society
Herpetological Conservation Trust