Dusseldorf Witnesses the Commencement of the Toad Journey

In the picturesque town of Nettetal, located at the Infozentrum Krickenbecker Seen in Nettetal-Hinsbeck (Hombergen), a unique conservation effort is underway. The Parks, Cemetery, and Forestry Department is preparing for the annual amphibian migration, a critical part of species conservation.

Every year, frogs, toads, and salamanders embark on a journey across roads, seeking their breeding waters. Unfortunately, these vulnerable creatures often fall victim to the air pressure from vehicles, not the tires. To protect these amphibians, the Parks Department has been setting up traps along the main migration routes for over 30 years.

These traps are designed thoughtfully, with sticks to allow insects and small mammals to escape, ensuring minimal disruption to the local ecosystem. The trapped amphibians are carefully transported to the other side of the road and released near their breeding waters.

The Federal Nature Conservation Act strictly prohibits intentionally disturbing, catching, injuring, or killing wild animals without a valid reason. These offenses are punishable by fines. Citizens are advised to respect this law and not catch the amphibians themselves.

To support the amphibians in their migration, everyone is encouraged to pay attention to the warning signs on the roads and drive at a maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour or slower. Road signs and protective fences are being set up on the main migration routes to facilitate this.

The number of animals collected at the protective fences has significantly decreased in recent years, indicating the success of this conservation effort. For more information about amphibian protection, contact the Parks Department at 0211-2103076.

It's important to note that the amphibian migration is not precisely timed by experts. These creatures primarily migrate in the evening, night, and early morning hours, between 7 PM and 7 AM. So, keep an eye out for these signs during those hours, and let's work together to ensure the safety of our amphibian friends during their annual journey.