Amphibian Conservation_5

To provide breeding sites for amphibians in Germany

There are 21 native amphibian species in Germany. 16 of these are considered threatened at the national level and have been included in the country's Red List. 2 species are considered to be critically endangered, 5 endangered, 5 vulnerable, and 2 near threatened. One more is rare due to its limited range within the country, and another is declining.

While chytrid fungus, a pathogen causing worldwide dramatic losses in amphibians, does occur in Central Europe, it does not appear to be the reason for the overall precarious situation of the German amphibians. The main reasons are rather habitat loss and fragmentation, and the high number of migrating animals being killed by road traffic.

As part of the long-term Amphibian Conservation Programme of the zoos, animal parks and wildlife parks in the German-speaking area, at least 27 institutions have decided to take measures to improve the survival of amphibians locally, i.e. on their properties or in their neighbourhood. Activities include monitoring and research, rehabilitation or creation of habitats, and, where necessary, translocations and reintroductions. These activities are accompanied by educational programmes.

Aquazoo Düsseldorf is surrounded by four ponds which could be suitable habitats for amphibians and could serve to make hundreds of thousands of visitorsaware of the amphibian crisis. However, the ponds had not been maintained in the past and were filled with anoxic mud. During the Year of the Frog (2008), Aquazoo initiated a project comprising the cleaning of the ponds and placing information panels about amphibians and the amphibian crisis. This was done as a complement to the Zoo's ex situ activities, including an expanded amphibian exhibit and participation in ex-situ breeding programmes for non-native species.

WAZA Conservation Project 08022 is implemented by Aquazoo Düsseldorf.