Restoring the Hungarian meadow viper’s habitat also helps amphibians survive

Amphibians are currently among the most endangered groups of organisms on Earth. Many species are threatened not only by infectious diseases but also by the loss of their habitats and breeding sites. In the Great Hungarian Plain, the intensive drainage schemes of the 20th century led to the disappearance of many wetlands that are also important for amphibians. The remaining areas are further threatened by climate change, drying resulting from poor water management and shorter hydroperiods – the periods during which temporary wetlands are covered by water.

HUN-REN CER researchers have found that wetland reconstruction can also support amphibian survival. A LIFE project aimed at saving one of Hungary’s rarest reptile species, the Hungarian meadow viper, is also helping amphibians persist. As part of the species conservation programme entitled Improving the conservation status of the Hungarian meadow viper in the Pannonian region, 23 new fen ponds were created. These provide habitat not only for the viper but also improve amphibians’ chances of survival.

The researchers wanted to find out how extensively amphibians use the fen ponds created in the Upper Kiskunság Turján region Natura 2000 site, managed by the Kiskunság National Park Directorate, compared with natural wetlands and artificial canals.

Their results show that amphibians favour the reconstructed fen ponds. Occupancy (the likelihood of their presence) was highest there among the three habitat types studied. The researchers also found that amphibian presence is higher in artificial canals than in natural wetlands that dry out more quickly. The fire-bellied toad and the Danube crested newt have persisted almost exclusively in the canals and in the reconstructed wetlands. This is because deeper water bodies retain water for longer, giving amphibian larvae a chance to complete metamorphosis.

The study also examined the transfer of hay and sediment from wetlands in good condition, which also had a positive effect on amphibians in the fen ponds. However, individual amphibian species differed in their preferences in terms of vegetation cover and plant species richness.