THE FIFTH ISSUE OF THE NEWSLETTER REGLJAČ HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

As part of the LIFE AMPHICON project and in collaboration with various organisations, associations, volunteers and individuals, we have compiled the fifth overview of activities in amphibian conservation and habitat protection for the 2024 edition of the Regljač newsletter.

This issue presents the implementation of amphibian conservation measures on the first road section in the LIFE AMPHICON project in Podkraj. This is an example of good practice, in which close collaboration between civil engineering professionals and ongoing expert support from an amphibian specialist were essential throughout the entire process, from planning to implementation. Another outcome of the project is the travelling exhibition »Sedem mrestov«, which presents seven sets of conservation measures that are key to amphibian protection in an engaging way.

In 2024, organizers of toad patrolls provided data and information collected at 24 locations across Slovenia. Most of these actions are described in detail in individual contributions, with at least 671 participants taking part in toad patrolls. Together, they recorded 89,290 live and road-killed amphibians. The Regljač newsletter features interesting facts about these activities, as well as contributions by individuals aimed at raising public awareness.

The Directorate of the Republic of Slovenia for Infrastructure presented the results of studies on amphibians and roads conducted in 2024 on selected sections of state roads. This time, the focus is on implementing amphibian conservation measures based on the results of previous surveys. The results of amphibian monitoring are presented for four road sections totalling 3.45 km in length.

Other conservation activities carried out in 2024 include amphibian research in Zaton’s oxbow lake in north-eastern Slovenia, as well as the restoration and monitoring of ponds in the Škocjan Caves Biosphere Reserve. 

As every year, we would like to invite all interested individuals to take part in the LIFE AMPHICON project’s activities and help us to improve our understanding of the distribution of amphibian species and their habitats in Slovenia. You are welcome to submit data and photographs of your amphibian observations, and we will gladly assist with species identification at the Coordination Centre for Amphibians in Slovenia. We would like to thank everyone who has participated in the citizen science project so far. In 2025 alone, we have already collected 1,746 records and 1,482 photographs from 612 locations across Slovenia. You can find the results in the final pages of Regljač and on the BioPortal.

You are warmly invited to read the latest issue of the Regljač newsletter—we hope you enjoy it as a festive gift under the Christmas tree!

Photo: J. Stergaršek, N. Hrabar