
29 Aug RELEASE OF TRITURUS CARNIFEX INTO THE NEW PONDS IN JOVSI
The Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) is one of the more endangered species of amphibians both in Slovenia and elsewhere. In the Natura 2000 Dobrava-Jovsi area, its population is small, isolated, and in a poor state of conservation. It is threatened with extinction due to the loss and deterioration of suitable habitats in Jovsi. Thus, within the LIFE AMPHICON project, measures to not only preserve the population but also increase it, are implemented.
In the project area in Jovsi,15 ha of land was bought to improve aquatic and terrestrial habitats for amphibians. 10 ponds were excavated, and on the remaining parts of the land, woody growth and invasive alien plant species were removed with appropriate mowing and mulching, thereby re-establishing wet extensive meadows. Such habitats will not only be more suitable for the Triturus carnifex and other amphibians, but also for many other aquatic and riparian organisms. Simultaneously with the establishment of new aquatic habitats and the restoration of terrestrial habitats, the population of Triturus carnifex through supportive breeding is being strengthened.
The main purpose of the support breeding of Triturus carnifex is to accelerate the natural colonization of newly established sedges and to increase the number of young individuals each year. By transferring some of the laid eggs from the wild to the breeding station, due to desiccation of the spawning grounds, predators, and other factors, mortality is prevented. Thus, the larval survival rate is improved by more than 95 percent. In this way, the population will have help in the first years after the establishment of new aquatic habitats, which are not yet in an optimal condition for the reproduction and development of Triturus carnifex. The development of appropriate aquatic vegetation and other ecological conditions in the ponds takes several years.
Supportive breeding in breeding stations is already a well-established practice in many places abroad, and within the LIFE AMPHICON project, the first breeding station for amphibians in Slovenia and the first breeding station for Triturus carnifex in Europe was established. In the breeding station at the Kozjanski Park administration in Podsreda, after a successful first season of breeding, more than a hundred larvae were raised this year as well.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, we will gather at 11 a.m. in front of the Information Room in Kapele (Kapele 15, 8258 Kapele). After a short presentation of the project activities, we will accompany the young individuals to their new life in Jovsi. We would be delighted if you would join us at the release and celebrate with us another successful season of supportive breeding for Triturus carnifex. The event is intended for both professionals and the general public.
Welcome!