Amphibian Populations Decline as Conservation Efforts Continue Across Germany

Volunteers and conservationists work to protect frogs, toads, and newts during their annual migration to breeding sites, but numbers have dropped significantly in recent decades.

• Seasonal amphibian migrations are underway in regions across Germany, with conservation groups and volunteers setting up protective barriers to prevent road fatalities.
• The number of amphibians, including toads, frogs, and newts, has sharply declined, with some areas reporting population drops of 60-75% over the past decades.
• Key threats to amphibians include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases such as the Chytrid fungus, which thrives in warmer conditions.
• In counties like Freising and Erding, fewer protective fences are being installed due to the declining amphibian numbers, though volunteers continue to transport hundreds of animals safely each year.
• Authorities and conservationists are urging drivers to exercise caution on roads near known migration hotspots, with some areas implementing nighttime road closures to protect the animals.

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