Explosion in frog numbers after mass pond digging
Switzerland has reversed the decline of more than half of endangered frogs, toads and newts in one region, research finds.
After conservationists dug hundreds of new ponds in the canton of Aargau, amphibian numbers significantly increased.
The European tree frog population in particular “exploded”, scientists say.
Scientists hope this method could be used globally as pond building is simple and effective.
Globally amphibian populations are in significant decline due to factors including habitat loss, urbanisation, road infrastructure, disease and invasive species.
In 1999 Aargau decided that a mass conservation effort was needed to combat the loss of amphibians. The collapse of the European tree frog was of particular concern.
Older ponds had become unsuitable for some amphibians due to lack of space, a high number of predators, and dense vegetation.
By creating new ponds, the conservationists gave the species more space to thrive.
Comments are closed.