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Habitats for endangered amphibians: Rescue in Calau Switzerland!
In the Oberspreewald-Lausitz, a project is improving the living conditions of protected amphibian species by regulating water levels.
Habitats for endangered amphibians: Rescue in Calau Switzerland!
In times when the focus is more on protecting nature than ever, a new project in Calau Switzerland opens up promising perspectives for endangered amphibian species. As the OSL-Online reports, a comprehensive package of measures is being put together in an important FFH area to improve the living conditions for the fire-bellied toad, the great crested newt and the tree frog.
The background is worrying: Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates worldwide, and the situation is also critical in Germany. According to the LfU Bayern, 12 of 19 native amphibian species in Bavaria are endangered on the Red List. Climate change, intensive agricultural use and the loss of habitats are causing problems for the animals.
Regulation of water levels
The project aims to regulate the water levels in the central ponds of Calau Switzerland. The lack of water has already led to the endangerment of these sensitive species. With a total investment of 179,052 euros, supported in the future by EAFRD funds, measures to restore and maintain the water bodies and wet fallow areas will be undertaken. These activities are crucial to stabilize the populations of these amphibians.
A positive development is already noticeable: 50 fire-bellied toad calls were recorded this year. This greatly pleases conservationists, as the decline in populations in the central pond group was an alarming signal. To ensure that this upward trend continues, regular area inspections and water level checks by nature watch rangers are planned.
Species aid programs in focus
The project in Calau Switzerland is part of larger efforts to improve the habitat situation for endangered amphibian species. In addition to the measures mentioned above, the species assistance programs (AHP) will also be continued in Bavaria. These focus on various amphibious species and include conservation activities, applied research and outreach to raise awareness of threats to the species.
Especially in view of the alarming declines in the populations of many amphibian species, the work is not only important but also essential. In addition to the fire-bellied toad and the great crested newt, there are at least eight species in the highest endangerment category in Bavaria, including the midwife toad. Diseases such as chytridiomycosis caused by chytrid fungi further contribute to the risk and underline the need for targeted protective measures.
In summary, the project in Calau Switzerland shows that it is possible to achieve visibly positive changes for the animal world through intensive care and support programs. The urgently needed support from EAFRD funds can therefore be seen as a step in the right direction to conserve our native amphibians before it is too late.