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.
For inquiries
Simon Hubacher
Swiss Animal Protection STS
Head of Media Office
Mobile +41 76 531 52 80
media@tierschutz.com
STS Press Releases Online
https://tierschutz.com/ueber-uns/medien/medienmitteilungen/
Swiss Animal Protection STS
Dornacherstrasse 101
Post Office Box
CH-4018 Basel
Phone 061 365 99 99
media@tierschutz.com