More than 30,000 vehicles cross Sprogø daily, as it is the midpoint of the Great Belt Fixed Link. Despite the island's role as a transport hub, nature thrives here, and today the island is home to over 30 bird species and the endangered green toad. This is largely due to a combination of restricted human access and targeted nature conservation efforts.
To strengthen the population and expand habitats for the green toad, Sund & Bælt is collaborating with the Copenhagen ZOO, which has more than 20 years of experience in breeding amphibians and creating optimal conditions for their survival.
In early May, Copenhagen ZOO collected eggs from the existing ponds on the original part of Sprogø, where a robust population of green toads already exists. The eggs were then hatched under optimal conditions at the Zoo's breeding center.
"It was a great experience to release the small tadpoles on the new part of Sprogø. The green toad is an endangered species, so we are pleased to work with the ZOO to strengthen the population on our site," says Ditte Hjort, project manager at Sund & Bælt responsible for nature initiatives.
Nature has received a helping hand
Ditte Hjort isn’t the only one excited about the tadpole release. The team at Copenhagen ZOO is also very pleased with the collaboration and eager to see what impact it will have on the new part of Sprogø, says zookeeper Rosa Nielsen, who is part of the amphibian project team.
"As a zookeeper, it's fantastic to contribute to Danish biodiversity and release animals into the wild. We’ve now given the green toad a helping hand in establishing itself in new areas, and now it’s up to nature to finish the job. It will be very exciting to follow," says Rosa Nielsen.
In addition to the efforts on Sprogø, the collaboration also includes strengthening populations of newts in connection with the breeding site at the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel near Lolland.
About Sund & Bælt’s nature efforts on Sprogø and the Fehmarnbelt Project
- Sprogø is located within a Natura 2000 area. Sund & Bælt manages the natural areas on Sprogø with the goal of preserving the island’s original nature and ensuring habitats for vulnerable species, including bird species such as the eider and the common tern, the endangered green toad, as well as many plant and insect species.
- During the construction of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, a large new, connected natural area is being created in collaboration with various partners, benefiting plants, animals, and people. In total, the tunnel project will create more than 600 hectares of new nature, including 40 ponds, a new 8-hectare lake, wetlands, and open natural areas.
About Copenhagen Zoo’s Work with Biodiversity and Amphibians
- Copenhagen Zoo has been working with biodiversity and the breeding and release of native Danish amphibian species for over 20 years.
- Most of the current projects are located on Zealand, Lolland, and Falster, as well as in several places in the South Funen Archipelago, including on Hjorte Island.
- The Zoo primarily focuses on the green toad, fire-bellied toad, and natterjack toad, and secondarily on the European tree frog and the very rare garlic toad.
- The work involves many aspects, but breeding is a central part. The relevant species are bred at the Zoo and can then be released into the wild.