It’s not just us humans who get romantic around Valentine’s Day.
Have you heard of newt love? UC Botanical Garden director and
zoologist Paul Licht is intimately familiar with the mating
habits of the two newt species – Taricha torosa (California
newt) and Taricha granulosa (rough-skin newt) – that become
amorous at this time of year. And it’s quite a sight (watch
video, above). According to the Botanical Garden, these small,
dark-skinned amphibians hide in the underbrush and are rarely
seen by humans, but, once the rains come, scores of them
gravitate to the crystal-clear waters of the Japanese Pool.
(Perhaps using the famous newt crossing in Tilden Park to get
there.) Want to see it for yourself? Visit the Japanese Pool
during garden hours. Docents are on hand to explain the newts’
mating habits, lifecycle and habitat – from 2 to 3:30 p.m.,
Sunday, Feb. 17, and Monday, Feb. 18. (Free with garden
admission.) Visit UC Botanical Garden Berkeley website for more
information. Locals call for road closure to prev