AMPHIbian CONservation and Habitat Restoration (LIFE)

Background

There has been a general decline in amphibian populations in Slovenia, Denmark and Germany due to habitat loss, in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Amphibian populations are also declining due to habitat fragmentation, which is especially critical in Slovenia because of substantially increased traffic on a dense network onroads. On 1 500 amphibian hotspots for road mortality in Slovenia, more than 300 000 animals die every year. In addition, unfavourable reproduction rates for European fire-bellied toad, Bombina bombina, are reported in Slovenia and Denmark, requiring the implementation of population management actions, such as artificial rearing.

Objectives

The general objective of LIFE AMPHICON is to improve the conservation status of European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) in Slovenia, Denmark and Germany; yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) in Slovenia; and northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in Germany, within six Natura 2000 sites. Other amphibians will also benefit from the conservation actions. The project aims at ensuring long-term viable meta-populations of targeted species. Proper site management will be ensured by land purchase/lease in Slovenia and Germany. The connectivity among populations will also be improved. The target species will be able to re-colonise and migrate or disperse among restored or new habitats. Beside this, the project aims at increasing suitable amphibian habitats (e.g. wetlands management); establishing corridors and stepping-stones to connect them within six Natura 2000 sites; improving habitat connectivity among land and water habitats by reducing amphibian road mortality; and introducing state-of-the-art amphibian guidance systems (e.g. under roads). Small and isolated populations of Bombina bombina will be saved from extinction by increasing the reproductive success by supportive breeding.

The project contributes to the implementation of the Habitats Directive and European Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 for amphibians (targets 1,2,3,4 and 6), the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure and the Invasive Alien Species Regulation. The best practice measures to restore water bodies and natural hydrological systems are in line with the Water Framework Directive, Nitrates Directive and Floods Directive. The project respects the Priority Action Frameworks (PAFs) for Slovenia, Germany and Denmark, and the Natura 2000 Management programme for Slovenia for the period 2014-2020. By creating and restoring wetlands, the project also makes an important contribution to implementing EU and UN climate change mitigation and adaptation policy.

Results

Expected results:

• Aquatic and terrestrial habitats improved within six Natura 2000 sites and three other protected areas. At least 163 water habitats restored/created (130 in Slovenia, 30 in Germany and 3 in Denmark). At least 72 ha of terrestrial habitats restored (20 ha in Germany and 52 ha in Slovenia), 30 ha of buffer zones (5 ha in Germany and 25 ha in Slovenia) and three 1 m2 hibernation sites (Denmark) created for Annex II target amphibian species. Additionally, 16 ponds created and one pond improved (fish removal) for Annex IV target species in Slovenia;
• Road kills on selected Slovenian roads reduced by 75%, by constructing at least 60 amphibian tunnels and 10 200 m of permanent fences on four road sections (5 000 m in total) for Habitats Directive Annex II target species. At least three new amphibian tunnels and 600 m of fences installed in another location for Annex IV target species in Slovenia;
• Small and isolated populations of Bombina bombina in all three countries saved from extinction by supportive breeding: 9 000 toadlets reared and released, and connectivity among isolated amphibian populations improved in six Natura 2000 sites;
• 55 ha of land purchased and 7 ha of land leased for conservation purposes;
• Best practice guidelines for target species conservation implemented in different projects;
• At least 50 000 people reached through numerous educational and awareness raising activities;
• Three educational trails and amphibian visitors center arranged in Slovenia with 6 000 visitors/year;
• Coordination Centre for Amphibians in Slovenia, established with an extensive network of volunteers, and 1 000 amphibian observations gathered;
• Informal network of at least 100 volunteers (Frog Patrols and habitat restoration) established in Slovenia;
• Work plans for six Natura 2000 sites.

Project web page: https://www.lifeamphicon.eu/