The milder temperatures ensure a spirit of optimism again: quite a few amphibians are already on their way to their spawning waters. In order to reach them, they have to travel long distances with many obstacles. The greatest danger for toads, frogs and newts are the roads they have to cross.
In Rumpenheim and Bieber, on the Rosenhöhe and at the Buchrain pond, the city of Offenbach installed amphibious fences and tunnels that make it easier for hikers to find their way. But not everyone uses the protected hiking trails and is then dependent on the consideration of the citizens.
Car drivers and dog owners are asked to be considerate
The Office for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection therefore asks all motorists to take into account the migration of toads in the interests of species protection. It is even more important than usual to comply with the traffic regulations: where driving through is prohibited, cars are not allowed to drive through either. If the paths are also open to forestry and agricultural traffic, this does not apply to private vehicles. But caution is also required on legally passable paths: drive slowly and, if necessary, stop and wait or take a detour if wandering amphibians appear in the headlights.
Dog owners are also asked to be considerate when driving into the forest to go for a walk. Official forest and hiking car parks may be used. Parking at the side of the path under trees or in the fields is not permitted anyway, as the wet soil and sinking car wheels often cause serious damage to the ground.
Toads are sedentary amphibians. So the females go to the place where they were born to spawn. This works completely automatically. As soon as the frost is over, they leave the forest, where they survive the winter in burrows or caves, and set off. In addition to the common toad, there are also common frogs, mountain newts and smooth newts in Offenbach. The rare leaping frog has also been sighted occasionally.
(Text: PM City of Offenbach)
