The recent days of mild, damp weather in Belgium has prompted amphibians to emergence early from winter hibernation for their annual migration, Natuurpunt reports.
The migration starts much earlier in the year than a decade ago. Nature organisation Natuurpunt warns that winter temperature fluctuations could be harmful to amphibians.
Amphibians hibernate each year. As spring approaches, they migrate to bodies of water for breeding. Motorists are urged to be particularly cautious on roads surrounded by woodland.
The migration, which used to begin around the first fortnight of March, starts increasingly earlier each year. The peak was observed on 16th February last year and this year seems no different.
Natuurpunt is also concerned about temperature changes. Last month saw alternating cold and warmer periods.
A recent study revealed that amphibians exposed to high temperatures during hibernation burn significantly more calories than those exposed to normal temperatures.
Experiments showed that amphibians could use up to 25% more energy, leading to a 20% loss in body mass.
This would lead them to hunger more quickly and reduce their ability to develop antifreeze substances which lowers their survival chances. Those who endure this emerge weaker, thus affecting their fertility.
