Besiedelung neugeschaffener Laichgewässer durch Amphibien im Einzugssgebiet der Ybbs

A study on the Wachau Cultural Landscape revealed that newly created breeding ponds can effectively support amphibian populations, contributing to biodiversity conservation. The research, conducted as part of the LIFE+ project 'Mostviertel-Wachau,' demonstrated that five new ponds, designed with varied structural parameters, were successfully colonized by five out of eight native amphibian species within two years. While an existing pond initially attracted all species, the new ponds showed increasing use over time, particularly for reproduction. The study highlights the importance of diverse habitat structures—such as shallow, sunlit areas with vegetation or deadwood—in supporting amphibian colonization and reproduction. This approach offers a practical strategy for stabilizing declining amphibian populations in Austria.

Kräftner, L. (2013). Besiedelung neugeschaffener Laichgewässer durch Amphibien im Einzugssgebiet der Ybbs. :None. https://doi.org/10.25365/THESIS.28923