WINTER TASKS FOR THE RESTORATION OF AMPHIBIAN HABITATS

With the rain and warmer temperatures, the amphibians of the Ljubljansko barje are about to start migrating to their breeding sites. In addition to ponds and ditches, which they use for reproduction, terrestrial habitats are just as important. These serve as hibernation sites, summer shelters, and migration routes. Wet meadows are especially crucial. The restoration of these habitats involves various measures, such as adjusting mowing schedules, removing invasive species, and planting hedgerows.

In the past, hedgerows—bushes and trees along the boundaries of land plots—were used to mark property lines, but nowadays, the ecosystem services they offer are becoming more prominent. They provide habitats and shelter, with many species (including amphibians) using them as migration corridors. They also supply food and increase biodiversity. Hedgerows support pollinators, help maintain ecological balance by supporting predator populations that control pest numbers in agricultural landscapes, and protect soil from water and wind erosion.

We carry out maintenance work on recently planted hedgerows throughout the year, but winter is the most suitable time for many tasks. In recent weeks, we’ve planted willow cuttings and saplings of alder, oak, elderberry, and viburnum in existing hedgerows. We also replaced dried-out or wildlife-damaged plants. The young plants have been protected with a coating to prevent damage from grazing, and the hedgerows have been properly marked so that we can more easily and quickly mow around them in the spring and summer.

Photo: M. Kržič, T. Porenta