Loader

EXCAVATIONS OF PONDS AT THE BOHOR PROJECT SITE HAVE BEGUN

EXCAVATIONS OF PONDS AT THE BOHOR PROJECT SITE HAVE BEGUN

In the past week, we began excavating 30 ponds for Bombina variegata in the Natura 2000 project site of Bohor (SI3000274) at Kozjanski Park.

The loss of suitable aquatic habitats, especially those crucial for spawning and reproduction, is recognized as one of the major threats for amphibians in all of the project sites of LIFE AMPHICON. By establishing aquatic habitats we aim to increase the number of suitable breeding sites where water will be retained long enough for the metamorphosis of the development of larvae of the target species. Consequently, the reproductive success of the species will be enhanced. With the creation of ponds we will also significantly contribute to improving breeding sites for other amphibian species in the area, including Rana dalmatina from Annex IV of the Habitats Directive.

The newly created habitats are smaller ponds covering up to 20 m2 with a depth of approximately 30 cm, in the form of shallow ditches, larger puddles or ponds with sloping banks. We adapted specific characteristics of the ponds according to the terrain in the forested area at each location. On the land plots where the ponds will be excavated, we have obtained an easement for a portion of 25 m2 of the land , which will serve as a buffer zone between the new pond and the surrounding terrestrial habitats, exempt from agricultural use (intensive grazing, fertilization).

The excavated ponds are already filling with water, and we hope that they will be teeming with life in the next season.

Photo: A. Bolčina, T. Osovnikar