John de Jong and Elly Stolwijk of the amphibians working group IVN Zuid-Kennemerland make their regular round in Duin and Kruidberg near Santpoort. “There are few areas in Noord-Holland where the Salamander is doing so well here,” says John de Jonge. The circumstances in the dune area are apparently exactly what the Salamander needs.
Armed with strong lanterns, the volunteers set off to save lives overly. The animals are looking for water that is suitable for placing their eggs and can sometimes bridge a few hundred meters during that search. Because they, still cold from the winter, but slowly crawling, a lane that needs to be crossed is a serious obstacle.
The volunteers safely help a few hundred salamanders to the other side every evening. “It changes per season, but in a good season we help 4000 salamanders safely to the other side.”
Addictive
Salamanders require a different approach than toads, which also set off in warmer weather. During the so -called mushroom, the animals are collected in buckets and transferred to the safe side of the road. Salamandertjes are picked up and transferred one by one. A bucket is not necessary with this action, Elly explains.