Jena, April 23, 2026 – When the nights become milder and regular moisture softens the soil, the great migration of amphibians begins in Jena. Dedicated volunteers have already been able to safely transport nearly 300 common toads across dangerous road sections on their way to spawning grounds this season.
- Event: Rescue of nearly 300 common toads
- Actors: Volunteers and conservationists
- Location: Jena (especially roads near forests and areas near the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld)
- Period: From mid-February to late spring
Danger on the Way to Spawning Waters
The annual migration of common toads traditionally begins in mid-February, as soon as nighttime temperatures no longer drop significantly. Often, hundreds of animals set off simultaneously, driven by the instinct to reach their ancestral breeding waters. However, the path from the protective small woods to the water is marked by enormous dangers in urban areas. The animals often have to cross roads, which, without human help or special guidance systems, frequently ends in mass mortality under car tires. Volunteers therefore regularly collect the animals at hotspots and carry them safely to the other side of the road.
Background: Amphibian Protection and Traffic Information
The region around the Saaletal, particularly the moist floodplain areas near the Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld as well as roads near forests on the slopes of Jena, are among the classic migration routes for amphibians. Nature conservation associations often maintain temporary toad fences in these areas. The animals fall into buckets buried at ground level and are carried across the roadway by volunteers in the morning and evening.
Tips for Drivers: The police and nature conservation authorities appeal to all road users to drive with particular care in signposted areas (warning sign „Krötenwanderung“) and to reduce speed to a maximum of 30 km/h. The reason: Amphibians do not only die from being directly run over. At speeds above 30 km/h, such high air pressure changes (flow pressure) occur under the vehicle that the internal organs, especially the lungs of the animals, can burst.
Anyone wishing to become active themselves or report dangerous road sections can generally contact the local environmental office or nature conservation associations (such as NABU Jena).
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Transparency Note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.