Wild Fact #373 – Battle of the Titans – Rough Skinned Newt
Photo by The High Fin Sperm Whale (Wikimedia)
To continue our week of Newts, we are heading to the west coast of North America to study the Rough Skinned Newt. I will let you choose whether you go to Alaska or California, since today’s creature can be found anywhere between these two locations. Personally, I am going to pick the sunny south since I figure we will have a better chance finding one if there is no snow. The Rough Skinned Newt is known for their high levels of toxicity. Remember I mentioned that how the Chinese Fire Belly Newt was toxic but it probably wouldn’t harm you….well, that isn’t necessarily the case for the Rough Skinned Newt.
A Poisonous Treat
While I haven’t heard of any reported human deaths at the hands of the Rough Skinned Newt, they do carry a harmful chemical that could cause paralysis or death, but you would most likely have to ingest one or more of these Newts to feel the full affects. I have said it before and I will say it again, I don’t recommend eating poisonous newts. It is unfortunate that predators of small salamanders can’t read Wild Facts since I would tell them the same thing. Typically when a predator consumes a Rough Skinned Newt, it is the last thing they do. However, there are exceptions to every rule.
Photo by Jsayre64 (Wikimedia)
A Battle for the Ages
The Common Garter Snake has actually evolved an immunity to this particular toxin. Interestingly enough, scientists have discovered that it is actually a genetic characteristic that prohibits the toxin from binding to the snake. What does this mean? It means the Common Garter Snake and the Rough Skinned Newt are connected through co-evolution. Over time the snake enjoyed feasting on Newts until one day the Rough Skinned Newt became toxic in an attempt to prevent predation. In an effort to “one-up” the crafty little newt the Common Garter Snake evolved an immunity to higher levels of toxin. This back and forth battle has existed for many years and I am guessing the ball is now in the Rough Skinned Newt’s court. Perhaps evolution will slightly alter the deadly toxin so it becomes effective again. Of course, this will only happen if there is a need for it. Don’t you just love nature?
