Save the toad prince
It is time to save the toads! Wondering why? As warm spring weather is on the rise, so is toad migration. A journey that often involves crossing busy roads, leading to a high amount of toad casualties.
To preserve the toads’ historic migration routes, Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency (DAP) has launched the ”Mission Toad. Save a prince” campaign, aiming to mitigate toad traffic accidents by gathering volunteers to help the toads cross safely.
Toads can live up to 40 years and are important animals for controlling the levels of insects – including mosquitoes.
While other countries use more strategic approaches, like road closures, tunnels, and special fences for toadally safe routes, Latvia aims for another way – the Latvian soul and love of nature. In recent years, over 200 volunteers have helped thousands of toads to cross roads. Forecasting the migration is not an easy task, as toads' urge to make a move is tied closely to spring weather. Therefore, when rain meets air temperature above 5C, and once the sun goes down, volunteers must be ready with buckets in hand.