Amphibians in the Lower Saxonian river Elbe valley: An example of assessment, evaluation and consequences for species protection in an EU-life-project

The unique river valley of the Lower Mid Elbe inhabit a great number of characteristic and endangered species. In 1996/97 a management plan, äs a part of an EU-life-project has been worked out. The representative survey area of the river Elbe valley is located in Amt Neuhaus, Lower Saxony. Besides the encouragement of floodplain forest and wetland biotopes the project's aim was to push protection and management goals for species of the European FFH-directive e.g. amphibians. In the research area eleven amphibian taxa, typical for floodplain areas have been found. Especially waters on both sides of the Elbe dyke line are distinguished by very high species and individual number. From the European point of view the occurrence of Bombina bombina and Trihmis cristatus (FFH-Annex II) are remarkable. Only a small number of B. bombina was found. T. cristatus was found in many ponds and ditches. The management plan proposes special measures for protection and development of amphibians and their habitats. Target species are B. bombina and H. arborea.