An amphibian tunnel in Neuwaldegg could sustainably protect the Vienna Woods population
I would like the city of Vienna to find a quick solution for Neuwaldegger Straße, because only a fixed tunnel guidance system can save the amphibians of the Vienna Woods from extinction.
Mag.a Heidi Lacroix, project manager for amphibian protection Hanslteich (VGT)
Vienna (OTS) – The 65 volunteers who worked for 10 weeks this year in over 800 hours with a lot of commitment and great passion Hanslteich amphibian protection project of the VGT, the disappointment is written all over their faces. At the fence in Neuwaldegg, which is erected by the City of Vienna – Environmental Protection and looked after by the VGT, only half of the animals were counted this year as in previous years. A more than worrying development that also puzzles biologists. Possible causes could be a postponement of the migration by more than a month (it was already warmer than ever before in February), but diseases favored by climate change or other factors related to the development of the animals are not to exclude. The mild winters put additional strain on the animals because they use up the energy reserves that they need for spawning migration and deadly fungal diseases are constantly increasing.
Project manager Mag.a Heidi Lacroix is satisfied with the successful conclusion of the season, but dismayed by the decline in individuals: “This year we did our best again to really save every single animal from being run over. Against the increasing loss of habitat and the effects However, we are powerless to combat climate change on the already endangered animals. I would like the city of Vienna to find a quick solution for Neuwaldegger Straße, because only a fixed tunnel guidance system can save the amphibians of the Vienna Woods from extinction.
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A total of 561 amphibians were saved from death on the road this year. (In recent years there have been significantly more on average, namely over 1,200 animals.) Among the animals rescued were 405 common toads, 67 of which were female, 52 jumping frogs, 34 grass frogs, 4 tree frogs, 53 fire salamanders, 3 pond newts, 7 alpine newts and 3 extreme ones rare Alpine crested newts.
The VGT would like to thank all volunteers very much!
Press photos (Copyright: VGT.at)
More about amphibians: Amphibians of AZ
Questions & Contact:
VGT – ASSOCIATION AGAINST ANIMAL FACTORIES
Mag.a Heidi Lacroix
0699 160 91 829
media@vgt.at
https://vgt.at