Photo: Lila la Loop
Amphibians on the roads around the Baldeneysee
Essen, Baldeneysee, February 17, 2026. As soon as the first mild evenings arrive, life awakens in the districts around the Baldeneysee And throughout the city of Essen, a fascinating natural spectacle is taking place: thousands of amphibians – common toads, grass frogs, newts, and even fire salamanders – are leaving their winter hiding places and embarking on the perilous journey to their breeding ponds. What would be a short stroll for us is a life-threatening journey for them, crossing roads, cycle paths, and residential areas. Everyone can help ensure they arrive safely.
What does this mean for all of us?
From now until around mid-April, drivers should be especially careful, particularly in the evenings and during rain. This is when these animals are most active. Many roads, cycle paths, and hiking trails around the Baldeneysee are not protected by fences – and even where volunteers have set up barriers and are collecting amphibians to carry them across the dangerous roads, they are unable to save all of them. Therefore, avoid known migration areas in the evenings whenever possible. Even driving slowly does not guarantee amphibians complete protection and can quickly prove fatal.
Where are known amphibian hotspots?
The hotspots are spread across the city – often right on your doorstep: Heisinger Straße at Schellenberger Wald, Deile and Hirtental in Byfang, Schuirweg, Pörtingsiepen The Hespertal valley and the surrounding area are habitats for amphibians at or near the Baldeneysees. Further afield in the city of Essen, the city identifies the following as newt hotspots: Kaldenhof in Schönebeck, Holteyer Straße in Burgaltendorf, Lührmannstraße in Rüttenscheid, and the Wichteltal valley in Holthausen. Not to be forgotten are the Rheinische Bahntrasse (Rhenish Railway Line) and many other areas not mentioned here. If you are in these areas, please be especially vigilant on the roads.
How are the animals being helped?
In many places, dedicated volunteers from NABU Ruhr eV and other groups are stationed. They collect the animals at mobile barrier fences and carry them safely across the road. In some locations, there are even permanently installed guidance systems or small tunnels – true lifesavers during this crucial time of year. Anyone who would like to help or has discovered a new, previously undocumented migration site should contact NABU Ruhr eV. The association sometimes provides a first-aid kit for amphibian conservationists and explains the correct procedures. www.nabu-ruhr.de.
Photo: Lila la Loop
What other dangers threaten amphibians?
Besides road traffic, they are threatened by climate change, diseases – especially fungal infections – and increasingly by raccoons. It's important to know that all amphibian species are legally protected, some even under strict species protection laws. The situation is particularly dramatic for the fire salamander: it lives in the deciduous forested stream valleys of Essen, but the so-called salamander plague has decimated its population. The disease is almost always fatal – and can be unintentionally spread by walkers and dogs. Therefore, the rule is: stay on the paths and do not let dogs run free in the vicinity of streams and wetlands.
Conclusion
The amphibian migration is one of the most impressive natural events of the year and heralds the arrival of spring at Baldeneysee and throughout the city of Essen. Everyone, and we mean everyone, can actively contribute to securing the future of amphibians. Being considerate in traffic, on bike paths, and on footpaths can save the lives of hundreds of animals.
