Newt
Newts, as with salamanders in general and other amphibians, serve as bioindicators because of their thin, sensitive skin and evidence of their presence (or absence) can serve as an indicator of the health of the environment. Most species are highly sensitive to subtle changes in the pH level of the streams and lakes where they live. Because their skin is permeable to water, they absorb oxygen and other substances they need through their skin. Scientists study the stability of the amphibian population when studying the water quality of a particular body of water.
Kaiser's spotted newt
Feeding is simple, as these newts are very hardy animals in captivity, and love to eat. Good feeders include Earthworms/Canadian night-crawlers, live and thawed Blackworms, live and thawed Blood-worms, calcium dusted Pinhead crickets, the occasional Waxworm, and various other insects. Insects collected outside should be avoided as they might introduce pesticides or parasites.