Why do amphibians migrate?
When the nights get warmer in spring, countless toads can be seen on some streets. The reason lies in reproduction, because the animals always return to the water in which they hatched and found good living conditions.
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With the help of a special organ in the brain, they can reliably find this location again. So it is that the toads pass through gardens, residential areas, roads and forests on their journey. The amphibians only look for an alternative place to lay their eggs if the target water has dried up or has disappeared completely due to construction work.
Why do all the animals set off at the same time?
As if by magic, hundreds of animals always make the dangerous journey at the same time in spring. Nature arranged it this way because the large number of eggs means that many offspring survive. In addition, the tadpoles have until autumn to grow and gather strength for the winter.
Which amphibians migrate?
Not only toads, but also many other amphibians make their way to their birth waters in spring and cover considerable distances:
- Fire salamander (a few hundred meters)
- Great crested newt (1 kilometer)
- Midwife toad (2 kilometers)
- Yellow-bellied Toad (4 kilometers)
- Common Toad (several kilometers)
- Green toad (10 kilometers)
- Tree frog (over 10 kilometers)
- Common frog (10 kilometers)
- Small water frog (15 kilometers)
Amphibian protection on roads
The migratory toads travel mainly at night, which makes their journey even more risky. Crossing roads is particularly dangerous for the slow-moving animals. In some places, up to 70 percent of amphibians become victims of road traffic. Entire populations can be wiped out as a result.
For this reason, conservationists and authorities set up protective fences. The toads look for a way through the obstacle. They come to a tunnel that leads them safely under the road. Where this is not possible, they end up in a trap and are carried across the street by animal lovers.
To draw the attention of drivers to the toad migration, traffic signs will be put up in the affected areas. Please drive slowly here and try to avoid the animals or let them pass.
Tip
Rejoice if a toad moves into your garden, then slugs are at the top of their new roommate's menu. Offer the amphibians piles of leaves and brushwood as shelter. They also like to live in a garden pond with a muddy subsoil in places.
