Protect the frogs: Chemnitz calls for lawnmower caution!

Protect the frogs: Chemnitz calls for lawnmower caution!

In Chemnitz it's time to be extra careful again! Between mid-June and mid-July, green areas within a radius of around 50 meters around ponds should not be mown. The Environment Agency of the City of Chemnitz calls on all citizens to pay attention to our little fellow residents when mowing, especially young frogs and toads, which leave the water during this time and prepare for life on land. This natural spectacle is called “frog rain” when the young animals, mostly from the group of grass frogs and common toads, take their first steps outside the water in synchrony.

These small animals, which are between 1.5 and 3.5 cm in size, are particularly at risk when lawnmowers or brushcutters are used. To protect them, it is important to check whether there are frogs or toads in the affected area before mowing. Ultimately, it's about preserving an entire generation of amphibians. Reports of “frog rain” events can be made to the Lower Nature Conservation Authority in the Environment Agency in order to monitor and protect local populations.

The legal framework

Frogs and toads have been under special protection since 1980 in accordance with the Federal Species Protection Ordinance. The taking of amphibians, their spawn and their larvae from nature is strictly prohibited. The protected species in Germany include the midwife toad, the yellow-bellied toad and the tree frog. Even though the pond frog is common and not endangered, it also falls under this protection.

Frogs play an important role in the ecosystem. They are important indicators of its health and live in diverse habitats such as tropical rainforests, temperate forests and moist savannahs. Their diet includes insects, snails and small crustaceans. If these animals disappeared, the natural food chain would be significantly disrupted. During this time, especially between April and June, we can hear the characteristic croaking of males marking their territories and attracting females.

Habitats and protective measures

Frogs are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. The biggest threats to their habitats include chemical pollution, urbanization and climate change. It is therefore of utmost importance that habitats are created and maintained. This includes creating and maintaining wetlands and avoiding harmful environmental factors.

A sensible use of our waters is therefore essential. Creating habitats and involving local communities in conservation projects are important steps towards a balanced ecosystem. If you want to get specifically involved in protecting species, you can help maintain ponds or promote sustainable agriculture. The importance of frogs to the health of our environment cannot be underestimated.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that taking the “frog rain” into account not only protects our small amphibians, but also makes a valuable contribution to the preservation of our nature. In Chemnitz we are required to have a good hand when it comes to preserving these fascinating animals and their habitat. An active contribution to this is in our hands.

For more information and to report “frog rain” events, please contact the Lower Nature Conservation Authority at the Chemnitz Environmental Office: Chemnitz – frog rain. For more interesting facts about frog protection, see is it durable and animal charts.