The toad migration usually begins at the end of February when amphibians head for their spawning grounds. Unfortunately, they have to cross dangerous roads again and again and get into fatal accidents. If you want to help the toads, you can follow the tips below.
Female toads carry smaller males on their backs during migration – Shutterstock/Roman Belus
What is unpleasant for drivers is almost always deadly for toads, since the slowly moving amphibians don’t stand a chance against the fast car wheels. This can be fatal to them during the toad migration. It is all the more important to help the animals safely across the street – there are several ways you can do it yourself.
1. Support nature conservation projects and local actions
The nature conservation organizations are prepared for the toad migration – unfortunately there are usually too few volunteers who support the individual projects to protect the amphibians. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the erection of toad protection fences or the erection of warning signs for motorists – inquire at the nature conservation organizations such as NABU or BUND in your area and become active.
Numerous alliances for the protection of animals can also be found on the Internet. In many places, in places known for increased toad activity, buckets are buried in the ground into which the migratory animals fall (usually at night) and can then be carried safely to the other side of the road by helpers the next day.
2. Maintain bodies of water and support spawning
The toads do not wander the world for fun, but seek a sheltered spot where they can spawn. In doing so, they always return to their respective birth waters, which must be preserved. Here, too, there are numerous projects by nature conservation organizations and action groups that you can support.
If such a spawning water disappears, the animals inevitably have to look for a new one. If you have a garden, you can also create an appropriate garden pond that the animals can use to spawn.
3. Integrate toad protection into your everyday life
You can also help the animals just by keeping your eyes open. On the way to work or during a walk, for example, check places into which the toads can fall during their migration. The amphibians usually cannot get out of light shafts, manhole covers and gullies without help and die in them. Tip: Take a flashlight with you and just shine it into the appropriate “traps” along the way. If you find what you are looking for, you can carefully lift the animals out.
4. Drive slowly and sensitize others
Basically, from the end of February you should drive particularly carefully and slowly in the vicinity of wet areas, flowing water and floodplains. Since most of the toad migrations take place at night, this is particularly important during the dark hours of the day. Also pay particular attention to the roadside and the warning signs posted there. The speed limit of 30 should not be exceeded there. Speak to other drivers, such as family members, friends and colleagues, and raise awareness of the need to protect sensitive animals in the spring.
You might also be interested in these topics on Einfachtierisch.de:
Found an injured bird: what to do?
Bat in the apartment: what to do?
Pets: PETA calls for a Pet Protection Act
