Salzburger Sand - Kieswerke GesmbH

Objective

Providing new biotopes in long time gravel pits, protecting special local amphibians.

Context

Long time gravel extraction and agreed rehabilitation to create a biotope regarding the special Herpetofauna (special branch of zoology regarding amphibians and reptiles). After creating there should not be any further assistance necessary, the biotope should be left over to natural succession.

Solution

Creation of a small pond with shallow water banks in a quiet area of the gravel pit. Special adaption for water plants where made regarding the needs of amphibians (no stocking with fish, avoiding breeding of water birds).

Result

After short time a high quality biotope was developed and a very seldom guest appeared, the kingfisher found a new habitat. The kingfisher did breed in two nests and brought up two young birds, this is a rareness to be seen amongst bird breeding.

The project has already been fully implemented and positively completed. The land restoration and revitalisation measures carried out were left to the completion of the natural succession and still show a high level of biodiversity and thus offer a high potential for small and large-scale development and sustainable networking of fauna and flora.