AmphiApp

Active

from 09/10/2023

The AmphiApp is a citizen science project initiated by BOKU (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna) and specializes in the Austria-wide inventory and analysis of the habitat preferences of the green toad.

Amphibians are among the most endangered animal groups in Austria and worldwide. The reasons for this include the destruction and degradation of habitats, various fungal diseases and changes in land use. For some amphibian species, agricultural areas or even cities are also important habitats, despite many disturbances. The project's target species is the endangered green toad - a typical pioneer species that can quickly colonize newly created bodies of water. In Austria, its main distribution area is in eastern Austria with isolated island-like occurrences in the west. Its natural spawning waters are steppe lakes filled after rainfall or pools formed after flooding with strong sunlight. With a few exceptions, the natural spawning habitats of the green toad have largely disappeared in Europe. In addition to these near-natural bodies of water, artificial bodies of water or pools that are filled after downpours are now often used by green toads. However, the disappearance of fallow land and the closing of gaps between buildings is leading to a deterioration in the conservation status of the green toad in both rural and inner-city areas. Countermeasures, such as the provision of replacement habitats, counteract this negative development.

Aim

The project, developed by the SPOTTERON Citizen Science Platform, aims to take an important step towards a comprehensive conservation concept for the green toad. An Austria-wide inventory and analysis of the habitat preferences of the green toad alongside the investigation of pollutants in water bodies and land use is of crucial importance here.

The project relies on citizen science to investigate the distribution of this pioneer species in areas that are often inaccessible for research, such as private gardens. Citizens are actively involved in the project and learn how they themselves can contribute to the protection of this endangered species through comparatively simple measures, such as the creation of small bodies of water. Such habitat creation will not only improve the conservation status of green toads but also promote biodiversity as a whole by attracting a range of invertebrates such as insects. The knowledge gained will be used to develop specific conservation measures for these rare biotopes. The active participation of citizens enables a broad implementation of the initiative, increases its sustainability, and raises awareness for the protection of biodiversity in Austria. Interested parties can register and use the AmphiBiom app to report amphibian calls or participate directly in the creation of spawning waters for green toads via an online form at www.amphi.at.

Created July 9, 2025, 12:06 p.m.

Updated July 9, 2025, 12:10 p.m.