Volunteers needed for the annual toad migration
The Environmental Agency of the City of Chemnitz is currently making preparations to safeguard this year's amphibian migration. Depending on the weather, this will take place from around mid-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 often have to cross roads, especially in the evening and at night, and need the support of people.
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 trapping buckets every morning and evening when the weather is suitable (i.e. when temperatures are above 5° C). The amphibian species (toads, frogs, newts) are identified, counted, brought safely across the road and released again. The 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 five most important locations for mobile toad fences are on Weigandstraße, Salzstraße, Eubaer Straße, Fraunhoferstraße and at the Einsiedel grammar school. Further conflict locations near residential areas can be enquired about by telephone.
Anyone who has the time and inclination to actively support the migration of toads, frogs and newts in Chemnitz and thus do something for species conservation is welcome to contact the nature conservation authority: by telephone on 0371 488-3602, -3603 or by e-mail to: umweltamt.naturschutz(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.