The action site after completion of the work; in the centre one can see an excavated stump which will serve as a structural element for the sand lizard found in the area. © Andreas Beulting, NABU-Naturschutzstation Münsterland
download picturemain content
Project of the month
#12/2024 Species rescue in Münster
Species protection measures for the natterjack toad
The natterjack toad (Epidalea (Bufo) calamita) is a pioneer species that colonises dry, warm terrestrial habitats with incomplete or sparse vegetation and raw soil. Floodplains along rivers which were constantly changing due to the dynamics of flooding were its primary habitat. Today, such conditions are almost exclusively found in secondary habitats, such as excavation sites or military areas. Open embankments and slopes into which the animals can burrow during the day and also during the winter months are particularly important. Temporary shallow water bodies and floodplains which are strongly exposed to the sun and therefore heat up quickly are required for breeding.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the natterjack toad is listed as ‘vulnerable’ according to the Red List of Threatened Species (2011). Its distribution is concentrated in the lowlands of the Rhineland and the Ruhr region. In areas where only a few secondary habitats are available, the species is increasing threatened. The last local population of the natterjack toad in the Münster region was on the site of the Dorbaum military training area near Handorf. Following the loss of suitable spawning waters, it has not been possible to re-establish a secure population there, despite many years of effort. A few years ago, spawning strings and tadpoles of the last adults were therefore saved from drying up in a rescue operation and, in agreement with the nature conservation authorities, transferred to the breeding station of the NABU Naturschutzstation Münsterland in Ennigerloh. Several generations of animals have already been bred there and will be released into suitable habitats in accordance with species conservation and legal requirements.
A potential site for such a resettlement is a heath area on the edge of the landscape protection area ‘Hohe Ward’ to the south-west of Lake Hiltrup in Münster. The small heathland area consists of heathland with parts of dry sandy grassland, a heathland pond and a small temporary water body and has been managed and maintained by the NABU Naturschutzstation Münsterland for many years. While the terrestrial habitats were already ideal for the natterjack toad, three potential spawning waters still had to be prepared prior to the release. For this purpose, the sunlit, temporary pond was slightly deepened and enlarged to prevent it from drying out too quickly, as it had happened in previous years. Another small water body was created, and a depression at the edge of the heath was completely cleared, significantly enlarged and deepened. All water bodies have been created with shallow banks to allow for mechanical maintenance if necessary.
The action was implemented in two stages in October and November 2024. First, all the shading woods were cleared. The stumps were dug up and placed in piles on the edge to provide structural elements for the sand lizard. The second step was to shape the three water bodies. The resulting soil material was worked flat into the ground on site so that a sandy dry grassland of high conservation value may establish.
In 2025, natterjack toads from the NABU breeding centre will be released in the area to re-establish a new population in Münster.