Volunteers needed for amphibian migration

Environmental Agency asks for active support

Fotomontage: Eine Amphibienart beim Überqueren einer Straße Picture: Untere Naturschutzbehörde Chemnitz, Umweltamt Stadt Chemnitz / Fotomontage

The Environmental Agency of the City of Chemnitz is looking for more volunteers to help with amphibian migration and the management of protected areas this year. Many amphibians in Germany and Saxony are endangered or threatened with extinction. Preserving the amphibian population in Chemnitz is currently one of the most important tasks in the city's nature conservation programme. Anyone interested can contact the Chemnitz Lower Nature Conservation Authority either by telephone on 0371 488-3602, -3603 or by email at: umweltamt.naturschutz(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.

On the one hand, the annual amphibian migration in spring is to be organised. Depending on the weather, this takes place from around the beginning of March to the end of April. The animals awaken from hibernation in their winter quarters and migrate to their traditional spawning waters. On this journey, they have to cross roads, especially from dusk until nightfall, and need support in doing so.

Mobile "toad fences" with catching buckets are set up at so-called conflict locations to prevent the animals from crossing the road and being run over.

The task of the volunteers is to check the catching buckets every morning or evening, alternating with other volunteers, when temperatures are 5°C and above. The amphibian species (toads, frogs, newts) in the buckets are identified, counted, brought safely across the road and released again.

All helpers are given expert guidance and support at the beginning so that they can quickly identify the seven most common species in Chemnitz themselves. The more helpers there are at a location, the more the individual is relieved.

Support is urgently needed at the following locations: Weigandstraße (Rabenstein), Poltermühlenteich (Grüna), Salzstraße (Schlosschemnitz). There are still smaller, unsecured locations in almost all neighbourhoods, so that there are locations close to residential areas.

On the other hand, there are more than 50 protected areas in Chemnitz that require regular maintenance. The Environment Agency is also looking for helpers for this. Whether it's simply checking signs or identifying the need for maintenance, right through to documenting the species present. Active support with maintenance measures is also possible. Depending on the level of knowledge, time available and willingness to work, individual areas of responsibility can be agreed.