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Caution toads

This toad is probably using the warmth of the autumn leaves in the last rays of sunshine to warm up as it migrates to its winter quarters. Look closely and you will find the well-camouflaged animal in the centre of the picture. Foliage is a good insulator and warms up easily - a sought-after retreat for amphibians in autumn.

Amphibians are cold-blooded animals, which means they are highly dependent on the outside temperature. In winter, they absolutely need a frost-free shelter. They often find this under piles of leaves, in deadwood piles, rodent burrows and root crevices, but also in cellars, road tunnels and wall crevices.

Amphibians spend the winter in "hibernation", their metabolism is radically shut down and all bodily functions are set to almost zero. The animals remain in this rigid state until spring warms them up again. However, some species, such as the Alpine newt and the fire salamander, become quite active in warmer periods and can then also change their location.

Therefore, there is also a "toad migration" in autumn. The distances that lead to the ancestral winter quarters vary. Common toads often stay close to their "home waters", green frogs cover longer distances. On their way from the spawning grounds to their wintering grounds, the animals often cross roads and paths. Therefore, consideration and caution are also required on roads and paths in autumn - especially along deciduous forests and water bodies. 

By the way, you can also do a lot for the survival of amphibians in your home garden: leave piles of leaves and wood lying around over winter and do not plaster all the gaps and joints in the garden walls. Amphibians - but also lizards, hedgehogs and other animals - will thank you.

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