Toad migration begins: carpenter careful! Protect the animals!

Toad migration begins: carpenter careful! Protect the animals!

The current toad migration in Dortmund ensures increased attention in road traffic. Drivers are called to throttle their speed and drive more carefully. The Dortmund environmental agency urgently warns of the dangers that brings the migration of amphibians such as toads, frogs and newts. These animals make their way to their spawning waters between winter and spring, a time that usually takes two to three months. As a rule, the hike reached its peak around mid -March, whereby drivers should be more attentive between twilight and sunrise.

The environmental agency has put up warning signs to point out the dangers of road traffic. From a speed of 30 km/h, vehicles can cause serious injuries or even fatal damage to the animals due to “barotrauma”. In order to offer the animals additional protection, fences with buckets are installed along the streets. These buckets serve to safely transport the amphibians across the street. It is important that the sticks and rods in the buckets are not removed so that the animals have the opportunity to escape.

volunteers wanted

Volunteers can join local groups of NABU (Nature Conservation Association Germany) or other organizations. Daily controls of the amphibian protection fences are essential to ensure a safe passage for the wandering animals. The animals found must be counted and registered. According to the NABU, no previous knowledge is required; Everyone can get involved and make a contribution to amphibian protection.

This action takes place not only in Dortmund, but in many regions of Germany. While protection fences were already installed in Berlin at the end of January and the first catch on January 28, other regions report that the first movements of the earth toads and pond molches have already taken place. In the district of Karlsruhe, the jumping frogs began on January 25th with their hike. The mild temperatures of the past few days have suggested the amphibians to start their way to the spawning waters, although frost nights are also forecast.

protective measures for amphibians

The correct handling of amphibians is crucial. Amphibia should not be touched if possible, unless it is necessary for their rescue on a street. In such cases, it is advisable to wear nitrile-by-hand gloves and carry out disinfection measures to protect the animals. When rescue on heavily used roads, this task should always be carried out in the team to ensure the safety of the helpers.

The preservation of intact habitats is of the greatest importance. This includes the creation of new spawning waters and the designation of retention areas along natural floodplain landscapes. The losses of amphibians on streets during their hiking phase should also be seen as a public task of street entertainment. Fixed and regularly maintained guiding devices for amphibian migration are necessary to minimize the risk to the animals. Responsibility for this should not be left to voluntary conservationists.

Common commitment to the protection of amphibians can significantly help counteract their progressive threats from road traffic and environmental changes. The NABU and other nature conservation groups are now active in the high season of the amphibian hike and are happy about any support.

For further information on the amphibian protection measures and current developments, you can visit the website of the nabu In summary, it can be said that toad migration puts the importance of consideration of our environment and its living beings in the foreground. The protection of these fascinating creatures can only be guaranteed by acting together.