In November 2006, with the support of many sponsors, we were able to buy a wetland area in the Eifel, with the aim of preserving it indefinitely. Many rare species, such as the endangered Agile frog, the Alpine newt and the Red-backed Shrike, now have a protected habitat to live in.

Protection for the Endangered Agile Frog

Wetlands provide biotopes for innumerable plant and animal species. Grasses, reeds, sedges and many types of wild flower can be found here, as well as many rare varieties of newts, toads and birds, such as the colorful Kingfisher.

Most importantly, with the purchase of this meadow and marsh area we were able to protect the habitat of the endangered Agile frog.

The Journey of the Agile Frog

The Agile frog has only a few areas of habitat and these lie far apart. Very early in Spring, sometimes as early as February, the Agile frog begins its journey to the breeding grounds.

This frog, who for most of the time lives in a warm and dry area, must find a damp, swampy area with open water, in order to spawn its eggs.

To reach this area, the Agile frog must cross busy roads and motorways and the ever-increasing car and lorry traffic causes many of these journeys to end in death. Thus the Agile frog has been put on the red alert list of endangered species.

Pond Project

The local BUND in Ahrweiler will manage this project. A pond will be created so that the frogs, salamanders and newts who live here, do not have to cross potentially deadly roads in order to reach their breeding grounds.he Wetland Area

Basic data of the Eifel wetland

Location

The wetland is located in the Sahrbach valley in the Eifel, a mountainous area between the Rhine and Mosel rivers.

Size

2,617 square metres

Wildlife

The Agile frog, Grass frog, Alpine newt, Red-backed Schrike and Kingfisher;

Flora

Forest sill, Angelica, Yellow Rattle and Wild Carnations;

Special characteristics

The purchase of this marsh and meadowland and the creation of a pond ensures the survival of many species.

Concept for protection

The BUND Rhineland-Palatinate will take over the ownership of this area in the future, with the local branch in Ahrweiler managing and taking care of the area.