Amphibians are among the most threatened animal groups in Austria and worldwide. The reasons for this include, among other things, the destruction and degradation of habitats, various fungal diseases and changes in land use. For some amphibian species, despite many disturbances, agricultural areas or even cities are also important habitats. Our target species is the endangered green toad - a typical pioneer species that can quickly colonize newly emerging waters. In Austria, its main distribution area is in eastern Austria with isolated island-like occurrences in the west. Their natural spawning waters are steppe lakes filled after rainfall or ponds with strong sunlight created after floods. With a few exceptions, the green toad's natural spawning habitats have largely disappeared in Europe. In addition to these natural waters, artificial waters or lakes that are filled after rainstorms are now often used by black toads. However, the disappearance of fallow land and the closing of vacant lots is leading to a deterioration in the conservation status of the green toad in both rural and inner-city areas. Countermeasures such as the provision of replacement habitats counteract this negative development.
AmphiBiom project goals
An important step towards a comprehensive protection concept for the green toad requires an Austria-wide inventory and analysis of its habitat preferences, including pollutants in the waters and land use. The present project uses citizen science to study this pioneer species, to investigate its distribution in areas that are often inaccessible to research (e.g. private gardens), and to actively involve citizens in the project. In addition, one goal is to show participants that they can promote the survival of this protected species even with little effort (e.g. by creating small bodies of water). This habitat creation will significantly improve the conservation status of green toads and other threatened pioneer amphibian species. We also expect a large diversity of invertebrates (e.g. insects), which will contribute to an increase in biodiversity throughout Austria. Our analyzes will enable us to provide clear courses of action to protect these rare biotopes. The involvement of citizens enables the broad rollout of our initiative, increases the sustainability of the campaign and creates awareness of the problem of biodiversity protection in Austria.
How can you get involved?
Before you can actively participate using the app, you must register or log in. There are two options for participating in the AmphiBiom project. If you have heard a green toad or another amphibian on an evening walk, you can record and report the call directly in the app. You also have the opportunity to get actively involved in creating spawning grounds for green toads. A separate online form is available for this purpose at www.amphi.at. Once you have registered, our project team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
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