Fire-bellied toad, yellow-bellied toad and Italian crested newt are target species for which we will improve terrestrial habitats. We will be able to improve them after the assessment of project areas. Fire-bellied toad needs an open landscape, while yellow-bellied toad and Italian crested newt prefer mosaic landscape with forests and grasslands. Through the project, 72 ha of terrestrial habitats will be restored, thereof 52 in Slovenia and 20 in Germany. 30 ha of buffer zones will be created (5 in Germany, 25 in Slovenia) and hibernation site in Denmark (3 x 1 m2) will be created.
Improvement of terrestrial habitats is important for establishment of favourable conservation status for viable population. Creating buffer zones will improve connection of habitats and water quality. Moreover, hedgerows are important linear structures that connect different terrestiral and water habitats.
Restored and newly created habitats will be on purchased or leased land plots under management of project partners. We will improve habitats by clearing them of unwanted vegetation (invasive alien species), planting and managing of existing hedgerows, converting arable land into permanent grassland, establishing buffer zones around breeding ponds and creating artificial hibernation sites in intensive agricultural landscape.
Constant monitoring of the improvement of habitats is crucial for accomplishing the project objectives.
