Migratory Amphibians - Drivers, Be Alert
12.02.2026 | from Swiss Animal Protection STS
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Image rights: iStock
Photographer: Getty Images
12.02.2026, With the first frost-free and rainy nights of late winter, frogs, toads, and newts awaken from their winter dormancy and head to their spawning waters in their thousands. Depending on the weather and region, the first animals are already on the move in mid-February. Mass migrations usually occur a few weeks later. To protect the animals, Swiss Animal Protection STS calls on motorists to drive at reduced speeds (< 30 km/h) on endangered roads or to avoid known road sections from February to April.
Common toads, grass frogs, alpine newts, and others spent the winter under leaves, grass, or mounds of earth in meadows and forests. On their journeys to their birth waters, where they now reproduce, the animals often cover several kilometres and frequently have to cross roads. Many amphibians meet a painful death under the wheels of cars.
Animals migrate very slowly
The common toad is most affected by road mortality. As whole populations move simultaneously and the animals migrate very slowly (sometimes taking 15 to 20 minutes to cross a road), this can lead to veritable 'massacres' on roads and the extinction of entire local populations. However, grass frogs and pond, thread, and alpine newts also often migrate in hundreds. Depending on the weather and region, this can occur as early as mid-February or as late as the beginning of April. The aim of rescue and protective measures during these migrations is to reduce the danger from road traffic and thus facilitate the animals' access to their habitats.
Amphibians are protected
On endangered roads, a reduced speed (< 30 km/h) or avoiding known road sections is recommended from February to April. The municipality can temporarily mark the affected roads accordingly through the police. Amphibians are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, road construction, and the widespread fungal disease chytridiomycosis. All native species are protected throughout Switzerland.
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Swiss Animal Protection STS
Founded in 1861, the national Swiss animal protection umbrella organization was originally named the 'Swiss Central Association for the Protection of Animals.' This outdated name was changed to Swiss Animal Protection STS in 1980.
Today, the STS comprises 71 Swiss animal protection organizations and the Liechtenstein Animal Protection Association. Its highest governing body is the assembly of delegates from its sections. It is led by a 13-member central board, divided into nine departments: Specialisation, Finance, Legal Services, Politics, Communication, Sections, Personnel, International, and Youth.
The STS is active nationally in all areas of animal protection, on expert, political, and legislative levels. The sections of the STS ensure the fundamental animal protection work in all cantons of Switzerland with their animal shelters, animal care, and rescue centers.
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Source: Swiss Animal Protection STS, Press release
Original article published on: Wandernde Amphibien - Autofahrer, aufgepasst