AMPHIBIAN ENTHUSIASTS REUNITE IN KOZJANSKO PARK

The second national meeting of Frog Patrollers within the LIFE AMPHICON project took place on the 20th and 21st of September at Kozjansko Park. It was organized by the Coordination Centre for Amphibians in Slovenia (the Centre for Cartography of Fauna and Flora). Volunteers from across Slovenia had the chance to share experiences and explore the implemented amphibian conservation measures at Žabja domačija information centre in Trebče and Jovsi project site.

At Žabja domačija, Katja Poboljšaj (CKFF) and Anja Bolčina (Kozjanski Park) led the introductory part, showcasing several good practices developed within the LIFE AMPHICON project, including an educational amphibian exhibition, the creation of a fish-free pond zone, and new amphibian underpasses on a regional road, which are already successfully fulfilling their purpose.

In the afternoon, 36 participants attended the lecture “Amphibians and Roads: When Nature Conservation Meets Infrastructure”, followed by a series of presentations from nine local amphibian transfer initiatives, ranging from those in Trebče, Boreci, and Ljubljana to those in the areas around Lake Cerknica, Vransko, Gorenjska, Ptuj, and the Škocjan Caves. In particular, the stories of dedicated volunteers stood out – people whose commitment, creativity, and teamwork ensure safer road crossings for amphibians each spring.

The second day was dedicated to field activities, including a visit to Podsreda Castle and the Jovsi project site, where participants explored the newly created ponds that support the threatened Italian crested newt population.

 The meeting concluded in a warm and positive atmosphere, with a shared realisation: Slovenia’s amphibian conservation community is strong, connected, and determined to make a big difference – one small step at a time.

Photo: V. Kitthiya, S. Levstek, L. Štampar, Ž. Vertič