THE SIXTH ISSUE OF THE REGLJAČ NEWSLETTER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

As part of the LIFE AMPHICON project, and in collaboration with numerous organizations, associations, volunteers, and individuals, we have prepared the sixth overview of activities dedicated to the conservation of amphibians and their habitats. The latest issue of the Regljač newsletter offers a comprehensive insight into the achievements of the past year.

In the introduction, we highlight an important milestone: all planned road mitigation measures for amphibians under the LIFE AMPHICON project have now been successfully implemented beneath the roads. Integrated solutions have been completed on five road sections, serving as examples of good practice. Close cooperation between construction teams and amphibian experts was essential throughout, ensuring continuous professional guidance. Through these efforts, the Slovenian Infrastructure Agency has significantly improved connectivity between aquatic and terrestrial habitats and introduced new approaches to amphibian management on roads in Slovenia. At the same time, 7.5 kilometers of state roads were reconstructed.

One of the project’s most visible outcomes is the traveling Sedem mrestov exhibition, which toured the Štajerska and Prlekija regions for most of 2025. Significant emphasis also remains on networking and the exchange of experiences in person, as well as collaboration with experts: in September 2025, the Second All-Slovenian Frog Patrol Summit took place in Kozjansko Park, organized by the Coordination Centre for Amphibian Conservation in Slovenia (CKFF).

In 2025, Frog Patrollers reported activities at 28 locations across Slovenia. At least 663 participants took part, and a total of 111,088 live and road-killed amphibians were recorded. Detailed descriptions of these activities, field observations, and individual contributions to public awareness are presented in the newsletter.

The Slovenian Infrastructure Agency also presented the results of studies on amphibians and road infrastructure conducted in 2025 on selected sections of state roads. Particular attention is given to the experiences and surveys carried out during the reconstruction of a 5.4-kilometer section of the Lendava–Pince regional road, a project that posed numerous challenges. Amphibian monitoring results are presented for nine road sections.

Among other conservation measures, we highlight the creation of three new amphibian ponds in the municipality of Zagorje ob Savi, developed with expert guidance from CKFF. Their maintenance is overseen by the Savski gusarji Association, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Looking ahead, we warmly invite everyone interested to join the activities of the LIFE AMPHICON project and contribute to a better understanding of the distribution of amphibians and their habitats in Slovenia. We welcome your observations and photographs, and the Coordination Centre for Amphibian Conservation will gladly assist with species identification. By May 2026, the citizen science initiative has already gathered 1,819 records and 1,522 photographs from 647 locations across Slovenia. These results are presented in the newsletter and on the BioPortal.

As the LIFE AMPHICON project draws to a close this year, we especially encourage you to take part in preparing the 2026 issue of Regljač—whether by contributing articles or in other ways.

We warmly invite you to explore the latest issue of the Regljač newsletter—may it keep you company in the summer shade as you relax by a lake, pool, or the sea.

Photo: A. Bolčina, J. Teršek