With the arrival of milder weather in Germany, the annual spring migration of amphibians, mainly toads, has begun. After a period of winter slowdown caused by the cold, the animals are leaving their winter shelters and heading towards bodies of water to lay their spawn. This migration, known as "Krötenwanderung", poses a danger to thousands of individuals who must cross busy roads. Local authorities and volunteers are undertaking protective measures, such as setting up barriers and organizing amphibian relocation actions.
Spring amphibian migration
In Germany, the annual migration of amphibians to bodies of water for reproduction has begun. After a winter break caused by low temperatures, animals, mainly toads, are leaving their winter shelters and setting out on their journey.
Road hazard
Thousands of amphibians die each year under vehicle wheels while crossing busy traffic routes. The migration poses a serious challenge for the protection of these animals, especially in states such as Hesse, where the phenomenon is particularly intense.
Conservation efforts
To protect migrating amphibians, local authorities, nature organizations, and volunteers install temporary barriers along roads. The amphibians are then safely carried across the road as part of the "Krötenschutz" action.
Weather impact on migration
The pace and intensity of amphibian migration are strongly dependent on weather conditions. Mild, humid nights with temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius favor mass movement of the animals.
In Germany, with the retreat of frost and the arrival of milder spring weather, the crucial period of the annual amphibian migration, known as "Krötenwanderung", has begun. The animals, primarily toads, are leaving their winter shelters in forests and gardens to head to bodies of water where they will reproduce. This mass migration, driven by reproductive instinct, however, poses a deadly danger to thousands of individuals who must often cross busy roads. Amphibian migration is a phenomenon observed in many regions of Europe for thousands of years, linked to the life cycle of these animals. Amphibians, as cold-blooded animals, are exceptionally sensitive to temperature changes, and their annual migration is tightly synchronized with weather conditions. Modern road infrastructure, developing since the mid-20th century, has significantly increased mortality during these migrations, leading to the emergence of local conservation initiatives. In response to this threat, in many regions, particularly in the state of Hesse mentioned in sources, local authorities, environmental organizations, and crowds of volunteers are organizing protective actions. These involve setting up temporary plastic barriers along critical road sections, which guide amphibians into buried buckets. Then, as part of the "Krötenschutz" action, volunteers safely carry the animals across the road. These efforts are coordinated by organizations such as NABU (Naturschutzbund Deutschland). The intensity of the migration is directly dependent on the weather. Humid nights, when the air temperature exceeds about 5 degrees Celsius, create optimal conditions for the migration. Periods of cold, as occurred earlier, cause it to halt, and the current warming accelerates the movement of animals. It is estimated that thanks to conservation efforts, tens of thousands of amphibians are saved annually, but many still perish. Amphibian migration is not only a natural event but also an important element of local environmental education. Schools and communities often engage in relocation actions, raising awareness about biodiversity and human impact on the ecosystem. The long-term goal is to create permanent wildlife crossings, so-called "green bridges" or tunnels under roads, which would ensure safe migration. Meanwhile, every spring, hundreds of people across Germany stand guard by roads to help toads, frogs, and newts safely reach the destination of their journey.