Spring migration of frogs, toads and newts
The amphibian migration begins when the day length has reached a certain number of hours in March, the ground is frost-free, the evening temperatures exceed 5 degrees and there is rain.
The frogs, toads and newts that live here belong to the class of amphibians, which spend their lives both on land and in water. A special feature of their way of life is that they visit different habitats depending on the time of year and migrate between them.
All 15 amphibian species found in Chemnitz are dependent on bodies of water for their reproduction. The animals leave their hibernation sites (e.g. cavities under roots, in the ground, in mud) after hibernation in spring and make their way to their spawning waters. Depending on the species, they cover distances ranging from a few hundred metres (e.g. pond newt) to several kilometres (e.g. common toad).
Road traffic is a major cause of danger for the decline of amphibian species, all of which are now subject to special legal protection. In order to avoid or minimise losses along the migration routes that are crossed by roads, the Chemnitz Lower Nature Conservation Authority (UNB), with the support of other authorities and citizens, is taking various approaches:
At the main points of conflict, stationary amphibian protection structures were subsequently erected on existing roads (Röhrsdorfer Straße, Eubaer Straße, Stiftsweg), which allow amphibians to cross safely underneath independently through road culverts.
During the construction of new roads (Südring, extended Kalkstraße), such facilities have already been planned and installed where there is evidence of migratory movements.
Mobile amphibian protection fences are used where it is not possible to erect a stationary amphibian protection system for structural or economic reasons. The fences erected especially for the spawning migration period prevent the animals from reaching the road and being run over. At most mobile fences, buckets are dug into the ground, into which the animals inevitably fall and which they cannot leave on their own. This is where the work of the helpers begins, who carry the amphibians across the road every day after dusk or early in the morning.
In addition, roads that cannot be used are closed at night during the amphibian migration. As in previous years, this is the forest road.
Signs will also be put up at 24 key migration points: "Please drive at an appropriate speed and responsibly."
If you have any questions, are willing to volunteer or have observed amphibians, please contact the Chemnitz Lower Nature Conservation Authority on 488 3602 or 488 3644.