Hundreds of volunteers ensure safe frog migration
After the winter, toads and newts begin their migration again to seek out pools and ponds for mating. Unfortunately, this hike can be dangerous. Many roads and paths cross their route and become a deadly danger.
Thanks to “frog fences”, tunnel guidance systems and many hard-working hands, thousands of amphibians and reptiles are saved in Salzburg every year. And who knows: maybe one or the other prince will be there with the rescued frogs. “Only with the help of the many nature lovers and the voluntary commitment can our biodiversity be honored,” said Daniela Gutschi, Regional Councilor for Nature Conservation, who is expected to refer to the hundreds of “frog thieves” who will again this year bring the animals safely across Salzburg’s streets in countless hours of work. “We all gave a warm welcome to the many helpers from all districts, who again looked after more than 30 amphibious routes with mobile protective fences throughout the country,” adds Gutschi.
Many frog rescuers
Many of these kilometre-long “frog fences” are put up and taken down by the Salzburg road maintenance departments or the employees of the municipalities. “The fact that this amphibious relief campaign is so successful is due to the good cooperation of many people involved,” emphasizes Transport Councilor Stefan Schnöll. “The state road administration works hand in hand with its road maintenance depots, the communities, the mountain and nature rescue services, with additional voluntary ‘frog thieves’ and various schools as well as employees from the Haus der Natur,” said Schnöll, who thanked him warmly for his efforts.
14 tunnel control systems
Some hiking routes already have fixed tunnel guidance systems – there are over 14 in total nationwide – which have been installed under the road so that amphibians and other small animals can safely cross under the roadways. “We want to expand these saving measures. Such amphibious guidance systems should be part of the planning, especially when renovating roads,” says Schnöll.
Get to know rare species
In Salzburg there are 15 species of amphibians and eight species of reptiles such as common toads, common frogs, alpine newts, mountain lizards, grass snakes and slow worms. “Rare species such as yellow-bellied toad, crested newt or the common wall lizard that is spreading around here are hardly known,” explains Gutschi. Who more about this domestic animals If you want to find out more, you can do so through a brochure published by the province of Salzburg together with the Haus der Natur. The native amphibians.
Our animals – see the full-length oe24.TV animal welfare magazine from Sunday, May 1st, 2022 here. Next issue Our animals: May 08, 2022, 6:30 p.m.