Every year between February and March, the amphibian migration begins, where amphibians such as toads, frogs, and salamanders awaken from hibernation. They leave their wintering areas to migrate to breeding waters. However, this migration brings dangers, especially due to collisions on roads. Protecting these amphibians during their migration is crucial for the preservation of their populations.
The Impact of Traffic on Amphibians
In 2021, The Society for Conservation Biology published a study on the impact of traffic on amphibians in the northeastern United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when traffic significantly decreased, a 50% reduction in amphibian mortality was observed. This decrease was mainly due to a reduction in frog fatalities. Researchers also found that frogs experience significantly higher road mortality than salamanders, especially under warmer and wetter conditions. These findings show that traffic management is a crucial factor in reducing road mortality among amphibians.
Amphibians for a Resilient Ecosystem
Amphibians play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. As one of the most diverse animal groups, they help make nature stronger and healthier. They serve as important predators of insects and other invertebrates, helping to control pests and maintain the natural order. At the same time, amphibians are a food source for many other animals, making them an indispensable part of the food chain. Their sensitivity to environmental changes also makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem health. The loss of amphibians can lead to significant disruptions in biodiversity and ecological balance, underscoring the need to protect this vulnerable group.
Protection Measures Against Amphibian Mortality
An effective way to protect amphibians during their migration is the use of fauna safe panels. These barriers, made from recycled LDPE or HDPE plastic, are installed along roads to prevent amphibians from crossing. They are designed with a smooth surface so that the amphibians cannot climb over them. The fauna safe panels guide the animals to safe crossing points or tunnels, significantly reducing the chance of collisions.
Awareness and Volunteers
In addition to physical measures like fauna safe panels, raising awareness among road users is an important part of reducing amphibian mortality. By actively informing road users about the amphibian migration, for example with traffic signs, collisions can be reduced. Volunteers also play a crucial role; they can help with the transfer of amphibians during the migration and monitor the effectiveness of protection measures. Together, we can work to protect these vulnerable animals during their annual migration.
Maintaining a Healthy Ecosystem
The annual amphibian migration is an important and vulnerable moment that deserves our protection. By using fauna safe panels and increasing awareness, we can significantly reduce amphibian mortality due to collisions. It is our responsibility to protect these animals and maintain the health of our ecosystems.
Advice on Amphibian Protection
At GreenMax, we have been combining greenery and infrastructure for over 25 years to create a future-proof, green living environment. We do this with innovative, circular solutions that give nature a place among concrete, paving, and buildings, while keeping the surrounding infrastructure intact. We are also committed to preserving a healthy ecosystem with our recycled fauna safe panels. Request a no-obligation consultation and discover with our experts the possibilities for protecting amphibians in your area.