Amphibian protection
Spring migration of frogs, toads and newts
Our native frogs, toads and newts 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, depending on the season, they visit different habitats and migrate between them. All 12 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).
In addition to habitat loss, 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 migration routes that are crossed by roads, the lower nature conservation authority of the City of Chemnitz is taking various approaches with the support of other authorities and citizens:
At the main points of conflict, stationary amphibian protection facilities were subsequently erected on existing roads (Röhrsdorfer Straße, Eubaer Straße, Stiftsweg), which allow amphibians to cross safely underneath independently through road culverts. When new roads were built, such facilities were also realised during the planning phase if there was evidence of migration movements (Südring, extended Kalkstraße).
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, which are 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 if necessary.
In addition, roads that can be avoided are closed at night during the amphibian migration (forest roads) and signs are put up at 26 migration hotspots to encourage drivers to drive appropriately and responsibly.
The amphibian migration can be expected to begin once the day has reached a certain length at the beginning of March, the ground is frost-free, evening temperatures exceed 5 °C and there is rain.
If you have any questions, are willing to volunteer or would like to observe amphibians, please do not hesitate to contact the lower nature conservation authority.
Amphibian species occurring in Chemnitz with frequency data
| Amphibian species | Frequency of occurrence |
|---|---|
| Fire salamander | very rare, only one occurrence |
| Alpine newt | widespread |
| Pond newt | widespread |
| Great crested newt | rare to widespread |
| Common spadefoot | rare, decreasing |
| Common toad | common |
| Tree frog | several new findings, rare |
| Grass frog | common, decreasing |
| Jumping frog | rare, increasingly spreading |
| Green frogs | species-dependent, very rare to widespread |
The installation of the mobile trapping fences and buckets, their maintenance and the data analysis and documentation of the results are funded by the EU and the Free State of Saxony (Natural Heritage Funding Directive).
