Toad traffic accidents result in hundreds of casualties every year. In these cases, speed cameras, police presence and car confiscations might not do much good – but a hand will.
DAP has identified locations where road and toad traffic clash and is looking for volunteers to help the amphibians cross. Over the past two years, over 200 volunteers helped thousands of toads.
The timing of the toad migration varies from year to year, and no specific date can be given for when the mission should be ready to help the toads. Migration is weather-related - as soon as the air warms up to at least 5 degrees and it rains, there is a high probability that the toads will wake up from hibernation and head to their breeding grounds.
A toad can live up to 40 years, longer than, for example, a moose. During their lifetime, toads follow the same route, which is genetically encoded and unchanged over generations.
Thus, it is not toads that cross roads, but roads that cross the historic migration routes of toads.
To volunteer for the position of toad traffic regulator, interested individuals can apply at this link. Interested parties will also be able to attend a seminar by Vilnis Skuja on correct behavior during the rescue mission.
