Amphibians play a key role in the functioning of our ecosystem

Gray out and green in ... increasing biodiversity is in the spotlight. However, the focus is often on improving the insect population. An underexposed but equally important link in our ecosystem is amphibians. For of the sixteen species of amphibians in the Netherlands, no less than half are on the Red List! An extra reason to take the presence of water into account when designing gardens and public green spaces. After all, the right pond requires little maintenance, but the added value is enormous. It provides a cooling effect, increases ornamental value and is good for our ecosystem.

Raymond Creemers is senior project manager at RAVON, an independent knowledge organization that works with volunteers to protect native reptiles, amphibians and fish. Part of their work involves advising government agencies and project developers. In doing so, they apply their specialist knowledge to issues such as design and management, fauna passages, ecoducts and connecting zones.

Creemers has been working at RAVON for almost 25 years: "Amphibians are an indispensable link in a healthy ecosystem. They are an important food source for different types of organisms and then they also keep insect populations, and thus pests, under control."

Amphibians are threatened by several factors. Such as the fragmentation of their habitat due to urbanization and increased infrastructure. At the same time, the quality of their habitat has deteriorated due to nitrogen and pesticides. And there is increased mortality due to increased traffic and street and sidewalk potholes. In addition, desiccation, global warming and animal diseases also pose a threat.

"The good news is that much is reversible, if only we build enough water in a somewhat green environment. Garden and park ponds in built-up areas are important refuges for amphibians. These also attract many dragonflies and other insects, so the benefit is twofold. Water also provides additional liveliness in the form of foraging and bathing birds. And who needs further arguments: salamanders are very cute and beautifully colored, frogs are just funny and even in a toad there is beauty," Creemers laughs.

What makes a pond attractive to amphibians? "Natural ponds, where it's especially important not to introduce fish or turtles. If you really want as little maintenance as possible AND a rich pond life, fish are not a good idea. Partly because they eat tadpoles and dragonfly larvae. The size of the pond is not so decisive. A 'tiny garden pond' of two to three square meters is already sufficient for the reproduction of salamanders and brown frogs." It is often claimed that you should create a spot of at least eighty centimeters in depth. "It is best in relation to a possible lack of oxygen when there is ice on the pond, but again not a rock-solid requirement. As long as you remove as much silt and leaves from the pond in early November, there is usually nothing to worry about. Even a pump or a filter is not necessary in a natural pond." 

The water remains clear by using plenty of aquatic plants. In addition, structural variation in riparian planting is a plus. And in winter amphibians require a shelter on land. You already provide that with a clutter corner, pile of stones or compost pile. "Finally, at a steep pond edge, don't forget to place a board or large branch so the amphibians can climb out of the pond." 

The photos were taken by Jelger Herder, nature photographer and senior project leader at RAVON. As owner of DigitalNature, he has, among other things, unique imagery of all native reptiles, amphibians and all but two freshwater fish.