Protective measures for migrating amphibians from danger from road traffic - observations and experiences
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Published source details
Karthaus G. (1985) Schutzmaßnahmen für wandernde amphibien vor einer gefährdung durch den Staßenverkehr - beobachtungen und erfahrungen. Natur und Landschaft: Zeitschrift fur Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege, 60, 242-247.
Published source details Karthaus G. (1985) Schutzmaßnahmen für wandernde amphibien vor einer gefährdung durch den Staßenverkehr - beobachtungen und erfahrungen. Natur und Landschaft: Zeitschrift fur Naturschutz und Landschaftspflege, 60, 242-247.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Close roads during seasonal amphibian migration Action Link |
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Install culverts or tunnels as road crossings Action Link |
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Close roads during seasonal amphibian migration
A before-and-after study in 1983 of a road in Oberbergischer Kreis, Germany (Karthaus 1985) found that closing the road allowed common toads Bufo bufo to successfully cross. While the road was open none of the young amphibians reached the other side. However, one hour after closure about 100,000 toads were found crossing along a 400 m section of the road. The road was closed for eight days until the migration of amphibians was over in spring.
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Install culverts or tunnels as road crossings
A study in 1983–1984 of a tunnel with guide fencing in Oberbergischer Kreis, Germany (Karthaus 1985) found that 640 common toads Bufo bufo and four frogs migrated through the tunnel. Overall, 85% of adult and 90% of young migrating toads used the tunnel, a nearby brook pipe, footpath or bridge to get across the road. However, on one night thousands of young toads were killed on the road. The tunnel was 19 m long and 0.75 m high and was completed in March 1984. A fence was constructed to direct amphibians to the tunnel. Monitoring was undertaken using pitfall traps at the ends of the tunnel and by observing toads during the migration.
