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MONITORING OF NEW WATER HABITATS

MONITORING OF NEW WATER HABITATS

As part of the LIFE AMPHICON project, we have excavated or restored 163 ponds. During the project, we are also monitoring their success. Monitoring of amphibians is conducted in all ponds and follows four stages.

At the beginning of spring, we inspect all newly established water habitats to see if brown frogs have laid spawns in them. These frogs are often seen as harbingers of spring, being among the first animals to awaken from winter dormancy.

After the migration ends, we begin examining the ponds for the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex). We first inspect the ponds to see if newt eggs are present on the plants. After the visual inspection, we set traps for the newts in the ponds. The traps remain in the ponds for approximately 48 hours. Each day, we check the traps and record our findings. Captured animals are photographed and immediately released back into their habitat. If an Italian crested newt is caught, we also photograph its belly, as the unique patterns can help identify the animal if it is caught again.

At the beginning of summer, we re-examine the ponds to assess the breeding success of our target species, Yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex). We sample the ponds using a hand-held water net and check for the presence of amphibian larvae. We also check for the presence of fish in the ponds, as they could reduce the number of eggs and larvae in the water.

At the end of summer, we conduct a final inspection of the aquatic habitats. At this stage, we are particularly interested in how many larvae have successfully metamorphosed for terrestrial life. We sample the ponds again with the water net. We also note the possible presence of fish and the water level in the pond.

By monitoring the conditions in the ponds throughout the season, we can determine which ponds have been successfully created/restored/established and which might need further improvements. In the coming years, we will maintain the ponds as needed to prevent them from becoming overgrown and to keep them in a state most suitable for amphibian reproduction.

Photo: P. Golob