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19.04.2024
Cooperation between LIFE IP Atlantic Region DE and Life B4B for breeding and restocking of the common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) in Flanders
On 16th April, German conservationists from the NABU Nature Conservation Station Münsterland brought egg strings of the common spadefoot toad to the Research Center for Aquatic Fauna in Linkebeek, Belgium. There, the eggs will hatch and be reared into larvae and juveniles. These young toads will later be released at various locations in Flanders. These locations had been improved with support of the previous integrated project LIFE BNIP.
The common spadefoot toad is an Annex IV species from the Habitats Directive and needs to be strictly protected. According to the six-yearly assessment of the 2013-2018 period, the conservation status of this species in the West-Atlantic region is bad. Pelobates fuscus is critically endangered by habitat loss and fragmentation in the western part of Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, France and Flanders. The cooperation between LIFE IP Atlantic Region DE and Life B4B aims to strengthen the common spadefoot population in Flanders through breeding and restocking. The partners hope to increase the population and promote genetic diversity.
Exchange of expertise
During the period 2012-2017, as part of the LIFE+ project "Protection of the common spadefoot toad in the Münsterland" (LIFE11 NAT/DE/000348), measures were carried out to optimise the spawning waters and terrestrial habitats of the spadefood toad in the Münsterland region. Under coordination of Dr Christian Göcking and Norbert Menke from the NABU Nature Conservation Station Münsterland, rescue/conservation breeding has started in the open field nursery of Ennigerloh to secure the remaining genetic diversity. Next, larvae of the common spadefoot were reintroduced/resettled to ensure the permanent and independent viability of the species. Since October 2016 these activities have been continued and expanded to the Atlantic region in North Rhine-Westphalia by the LIFE integrated project "Atlantic Region DE" which runs until 2026. Meanwhile, the German conservationists already have extensive experience in breeding the species in captivity. This makes it possible that the German partner can support the Belgian partner in their Life B4B-project.
A genetic study showed indeed that genetic diversity in the Flemish populations is low and that the different common spadefoot populations in the West Atlantic region belong to the same genetic cluster. That is, toads in Germany, the Netherlands, France and in Flanders are genetically related. Mixing of Flemish populations with Dutch common spadefoot toads has happened since 2023. From 2024, also genetic material from German populations will be added. As part of Life B4B, Flemish egg strings will be reared and the larvae will be released, mixed with larvae from the Netherlands and Germany in suitable areas.
The German and Flemish partners will share their expertise on breeding and population stocking of the common spadefoot toad. The Flemish partners know the local conditions in Flanders and know where the toads can be released best.
The cooperation between LIFE IP Atlantic Region DE and Life B4B is an important step forward in the protection of the common spadefoot toad in Flanders. The partners hope that joint efforts will lead to a sustainable population of this unique species.