Hortus Salamander Safari

During this early morning excursion, salamander expert Ben Wielstra (Naturalis) takes you on a search for newts in the garden ponds. Together with his PhD student Anagnostis (Notis) Theodoropoulos, he checks a few small traps that were set the previous evening and tells you more about the research into these fascinating amphibians.

In case of a small catch, a dip net may also be used. You will receive an explanation of how salamanders are examined and how DNA samples are collected using skin swabs. Furthermore, the observations are entered into a nature database. A unique opportunity to observe real field research up close!