Stepping ponds: enhancement of connectivity for amphibians in riverside gravel pits

Currently, amphibians are one of the most concerning taxonomic groups because of their conservation status. Habitat destruction and alteration, diseases and global change are dramatically reducing their populations, which is generating an active reaction movement towards taking actions for their conservation. It is therefore essential to take advantage of every opportunity to preserve and strengthen their populations and habitats.

Mining holes in Áridos Sanz Gravel Pit, where water table is over the surface level, are potential new habitats to allocate these animals and offer new opportunities for conservation of amphibian populations. However, the disconnection between these the new habitats and the current ones limits the potential use of mining ponds for conservation.

The general objectives of our study are (1) to study habitat availability for amphibians in Áridos Sanz Gravel Pit; (2) to assess amphibian connectivity among ponds and between them and the “Riberas del Duero y Afluentes” SCI; and (3) to provide connectivity enhancement measures adjusted to the local conditions.