A toad -
Alain Blumet / ONF
It is a very stupid system, but one that has already saved 2,247 amphibians since its creation.
Installed in 2019, the crapaudrome system at Hourtin in the Médoc, in the Gironde, is an ephemeral device that allows protected species to cross the road to reach their breeding grounds, while limiting the risk of crushing.
The National Forest Office (ONF), at the origin of the device in partnership with the departmental council of Gironde, is renewing it this year, until March 15.
Each year, towards the end of January, frogs, toads, newts and other salamanders migrate to reproduce in aquatic environments, especially between the dune forest and the Contaut lagoon.
A long and perilous journey for these species, which must face many obstacles, such as roads where they risk being run over.
The ONF and the department have therefore decided to support this migration.
Excellent indicators of the state of the environment
How? 'Or' What ?
Thanks to a system made up of a curtain placed parallel to the departmental road 547, and around forty buckets buried at ground level.
Blocked by the curtain, the amphibians run alongside it and end up falling into one of the buckets.
Every morning, a collection is made and the animals are released on the other side of the road.
To those who would smile, know that not only are these species protected, but that they also play a crucial role in the balance of their habitat, and that they are excellent indicators of the state of the environment. .
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The NFB needs volunteers to support it in this process.
Contact the curator of the Hourtin dunes and marshes nature reserve (françois.bottin@onf.fr or bernard.devaux@onf.fr)
Threatened species
Biodiversity
Animals
Aquitaine
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