Amphibians have suffered particular population losses in recent decades. In Central Europe, habitat loss and the lack of connectivity between remaining suitable habitats are responsible for the dramatic decline. In particular, the species in dynamic habitats that are dependent on a continuous supply of vegetation-poor to vegetation-free water bodies and summer habitats show severe population losses. As a result, many species are in a poor state of conservation.

 

In the last FFH report (fauna-flora-habitas Directive) from 2013, the status of the Yellow-bellied Toad (Bombina variegata) and the Midwife Toad (Alytes obstetricans) in both the Atlantic and continental biogeographical regions was classified as "poor" with the trend "deteriorating". The condition has already deteriorated compared to the previous report from 2007. The conservation status of the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) and the Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) is also "inadequate". The EU LIFE project "BOVAR" therefore focuses precisely on these target species. Through practical species protection measures, the habitat conditions for these species and their accompanying species are to be improved.