Credit: ANF / Laurent Schley
Luxembourg's Nature and Forest Agency (Administration de la nature et des forêt - ANF) and natur&ëmwelt have launched a campaign aimed at protecting amphibians crossing the Grand Duchy's roads.
To make roads safer for amphibians, the ANF and natur&ëmwelt stressed the importance of knowing their areas of migration. This allows the planning of rescue operations, the construction of permanent infrastructure such as barriers or the temporary closure of affected roads, depending on the density of traffic and the intensity of migration.
Mild nighttime temperatures (> 5°C), rainy and humid weather, as well as longer days together create ideal conditions for the annual migration of amphibians from their winter quarters (in the forest) to their spawning grounds (ponds, etc.). The migration period runs from mid-February to mid-April, although the start and duration are dependent on weather conditions.
Amphibians encounter many dangers in their path. Every year they have to deal with a very dense road network and crossing busy roads, which is a major threat to toads and other amphibians in the spring.
These animals can only be saved with the help of volunteers who coordinate or participate in collection campaigns. Members of the public can now report amphibian crossing points and participate in rescue operations using a dedicated online form provided by natur&ëmwelt. In order to find the appropritate solutions and, if necessary, take action, ANF and natur&ëmwelt may need to contact those who reach out for additional information regarding their observations. This is why contact details should be provided in the form.
Known migration locations as well as planned rescue activities can be consulted on geoportail.lu. The information needed to organise such rescue operations or participate in an existing activity is also available here.
