Credit: Nature and Forest Agency / natur&ëmwelt
Luxembourg's Nature and Forest Agency, in collaboration with local nature conservation non-profit organisation natur&ëmwelt, has called for better protection for amphibians on roads.
Mild nocturnal temperatures above 5 °C, rainy and humid weather and increased day light together create the optimal conditions for triggering the migration of amphibians from their winter quarters (in the forest) to their spawning grounds like ponds, lakes and other bodies of water. The period of the migration extends from mid-February to mid-April, with the start and duration varying from year to year depending on weather conditions.
On the way to their spawning grounds, amphibians encounter many obstacles, including busy roads. The road network, which is becoming increasingly dense, poses a major threat to toads and other amphibians, especially in spring.
According to the Nature and Forest Agency and natur&ëmwelt,the only way to protect these animals is through temporary measures such as road closures and rescue operations and to secure dangerous routes through long-term installations.
Volunteers who are willing to organise or participate in rescue operations can now report road crossings and rescue operations using the online form in French at https://naturemwelt.wufoo.com/forms/z1cgsxsv08qkyc6/ and in German at https://naturemwelt.wufoo.com/forms/z1806ewt0id68en/
The Nature and Forest Agency and natur&ëmwelt will then try to find a solution and take corrective measures.
Georeferenced layers of environmental data on known migration areas are accessible at http://g-o.lu/amphibiens, as well as the planned rescue operations.
Additional information on participating in and organising rescue operations is also available at https://environnement.public.lu/fr.html and https://www.naturemwelt.lu/de/sauvons-les-crapauds/
