Amphibians to be reintroduced to Kulkwitz ponds

Rare amphibians such as the fire-bellied toad and the great crested newt are to be reintroduced to the Kulkwitz ponds west of Leipzig. The Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment therefore launched one of its largest biotope creation projects in recent years last week. Special timber harvesters are being used to remove regrown trees and shrubs.

Wet habitats are important climate regulators

The preservation of wet habitats in a cultural landscape is a very important concern for the foundation, emphasized David Greve, head of the foundation's nature conservation fund. Climate change, a changing water regime and other factors are constantly presenting new challenges. "Wet habitats are not only an important climate regulator during periods of heat. Numerous endangered animal and plant species live here."

Water areas of the Kulkwitzer Lachen have declined sharply

As a result of the extreme lack of water in recent years, the water areas of the Kulkwitzer Lachen have declined sharply, the foundation announced. Only a few small residual pools remained. "The lack of water was followed by the growth of woodland. The vital open water structures were thus lost for many rare species." Now young woodland is to be pushed back on more than seven hectares.

Territory is a nature conservation and FFH area

According to the foundation, the project will take over two years. The costs are estimated at around 220,000 euros. Not all the trees will be cleared at once and hibernating amphibians will be protected, it said. The land is owned by the foundation. The area has been designated a nature reserve since 1990. It also enjoys special protection under the Flora-Fauna-Habitat Directive (FFH).

Habitat for bitterns and reed warblers

The Kulkwitz ponds are located in a so-called mining subsidence area of the former lignite mining that took place here underground. According to the foundation, a mosaic-like landscape structure with water bodies and reed beds developed. Endangered amphibian species and bird species such as little bitterns and reed warblers found their habitat here.