Amphibian migration at Baldeneysee

Essen, Baldeneysee, March 26, 2025. Caution is advised from now until approximately the end of April around the Baldeneysee The annual migration of amphibians to their spawning waters has begun, and especially along the Baldeneysee route, common toads, grass frogs, and newts are crossing roads and paths. Their passage across busy roads and paths is life-threatening for these small, ground-dwelling creatures, as their routes are also used by cars and bicycles. Sections in the area of [missing information] are particularly affected. Bredeney, Heisingen, Kupferdreh, Werden and Fish coat, where the animals often have to cross busy roads. Amphibians are also frequently run over on the popular bike paths around the lake due to ignorance. Conservationists and volunteers work here to collect the animals and get them safely across the roads. But they can't be everywhere. That's why every single one of us is needed.

All road users are urgently requested to drive with particular caution until mid- to late April, especially in the evenings and during wet weather, and to be on the lookout for amphibians. Protective measures are not in place everywhere, meaning amphibians can often enter the roadway unhindered. Even with the dedicated support of volunteers, it is not possible to safely guide all animals across the roads and protect them from danger.

Amphibians are significantly threatened by increasing road traffic, climate change, and diseases such as salamander plague. Raccoons, which are increasingly spreading in our latitudes, also pose a danger. Therefore, fish-free ponds and pools, as well as wetlands around the Baldeneysee, are important refuges for amphibians. The long-term preservation of summer and winter habitats in forests, meadows, and riparian zones is essential to protect local populations. All amphibian species are legally protected year-round; rarer species, such as the European tree frog and fire salamander, have even stricter protection status.

Background: Various amphibian species live around the Baldeneysee, including the common toad, common frog, smooth newt, and alpine newt, as well as rarer species such as the midwife toad and crested newt. Of particular note is the fire salamander, which is native to some stream valleys near the Baldeneysee. However, this species is severely threatened by the so-called salamander plague and has already been decimated. Walkers should therefore stay on the paths and keep their dogs on a leash in the riverbanks and woods to help preserve these endangered animals. In any case, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the entire city of Essen.