Facts
All 20 native species of amphibians in Austria are on the Red List of Endangered Species for Austria and are strictly protected.The terrestrial and aquatic habitats of amphibians are today fragmented in many cases by roads, insurmountable walls and housing estates, and separated from each other by numerous traps such as swimming pools, cellar wells and flights of stairs. To make things worse, there are still incidents where spawning pools are either filled in or stocked with fish which devour spawn and larvae. Even goldfish and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) constitute a major problem for amphibians, and the straightening of streams has removed many quieter parts from water courses, which used to be their habitats.
In the Wienerwald BR the amphibian biotopes were surveyed by means of GPS, and mapped accordingly. Initial results have shown that, in particular, artificially created biotopes play an important role in amphibian conservation. The Austrian Federal Forestry Authority already located 100 such small water bodies, and now they plan to explore also the areas owned by other landowners. By locating the spawning sites of Messrs Frog & Co. it is possible to create a baseline foundation for conservation Projects in favour of this highly endangered group of animals. In conjunction with this project, an appeal was launched to private individuals, communities and road maintenance depots to take an active part in the project and to report online any amphibian sightings that come their way.
