The project's key measure is the creation of spawning grounds with the help of excavators. The sizes of the different water bodies vary from 500 to 5.000m² while their depth depends on hydrological conditions. A temporary drying-out of the ponds after the amphibians' successful reproduction is intended. Significantly smaller water bodies varying in size from 5 to 50m² are created for the Natterjack Toad.
Existing water bodies currently not suitable for the reproduction of amphibians are re-developed through targeted measures. Depending on the situation on-site, shading woody plants are removed, thick layers of sapropel are excavated, or the pond is deepened in order to achieve a sufficient period of stream flow.
Outside of the breeding period, many amphibian types live on land and thus, require adequate summer habitats and hibernation sites. Most project areas provide these in suitable numbers. At some sites, however, hedges and raw soil spots are planned to supplement the biotope.
Achieving a sustainable safeguarding of the created spawning grounds is one of AMPFHIKULT's major concerns. Without suitable care, all water bodies silt up more or less quickly, become overgrown by reedmace or shaded by woody plants. Hence, the management of most water bodies relies on extensive grazing with robust livestock. At some sites, this gentle, inexpensive and sustainably effective management measure requires certain prerequisites such as an electric fence.
On-site trail info boards provide the general public with information on the respective project measures. Another key factor is the exchange of experiences with other national and international amphibian conservation projects. Finally, efforts are underway to identify land owners who are willing to become involved in the project by making available their land for the creation of smaller water bodies.
