Saving the Toads: One Tub at a Time - Swisspearl
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MAKING-OF

Saving the Toads: One Tub at a Time

The idea developed from a genuine need. The focus of attention is on a little, roughly four-to-five-centimeter large species of frog: the yellow-bellied toad. It is on the red list of animal species threatened with extinction, as there are hardly any remaining habitats where it can live. Yellow bellied toads spawn in small bodies of water that have water in them only seasonally, and at times dry up. Correspondingly, their development from spawn to tadpole through to fully grown animal is fast. Basically, that is a good survival strategy, as this way they have practically no predators. Natural enemies, such as the dragon fly larvae that develop over a two-year period, or even fish, cannot survive in such waters. The problem, however, is that there are hardly any of these muddy puddles or small bodies of water left here in Switzerland.

2023-10-27 ・ 5 min

IN SEARCH OF A SOLUTION

For years, conservation organizations have tried to assist by setting up artificial small bodies of water for the animals at favorable sites. First, they tried with pond liners, however their use is prohibited in many places. Transporting the necessary gravel filling also turned out to be difficult. Small plastic tubs were, for their part, not suitable because their surface is too slippery, and the edges of the tubs too steep for the little creatures. Steel tubs never came into question due to their weight and associated transport. Attempts were also made with clay ponds, however they weren’t sufficiently waterproof and lost water too quickly. In search of a different solution, fiber cement turned out to be an excellent material. As a stone-like inert substance, its use is allowed in forests and conservation zones. The tubs, which weigh twenty to twenty-five kilos, are light enough that a single person can carry them several hundred meters.

Two shovelfuls of excavated material and a branch are all that is needed to make the new habitat functionable. The rough surface structure enables an easy exit. Fiber cement is a very robust material. During annual maintenance, the old material in the pool can simply be shoveled away with no damage to the surface.

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CLEVER FORM

The project was initiated by the conservation organization Naturnetz, which in addition to permanent locations in Switzerland, also has mobile conservation groups. The fiber cement yellow-bellied toad tubs developed in collaboration with Swisspearl have caught on well in the professional world. The clever organic form is well thought out and oriented on the needs of the yellow-bellied toads. The water in the large part of the tub is deeper and remains standing for a longer time. The tadpoles can move well there and hide in the mud from natural enemies, such as herons and ducks. When the animals’ limbs are developed enough they can easily climb out from the smaller, shallower area.

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Molding and Curing

The moist, still moldable fiber cement mat is rolled onto the molded piece using a fine roller. After it is completely dry, the fiber cement shell is cured and the tub is ready for use.

How to place the toad tubs

The toad tubs are used in clusters, that is, several tubs are placed near one another, and in different micro-conditions— sunny, shady, at the forest’s edge—at a distance of two to twenty meters apart. When animals are still present in these areas, the toads find the tiny ponds. This way, the toads don’t have to be painstakingly looked for and moved. Success can be seen very quickly, which is extremely satisfying for all involved. 

Naturnetz relies on projects that are carried out throughout Switzerland by conscientious objectors (young men that opt for a civilian service as an alternative to military duty). Along with a staff of twenty-five and five to ten seasonal employees, as many as 300 civilian servants support the organization with their community work. 

The toad tubs are still in the developmental phase, the first prototypes are being tested. Several details are being tinkered with. But the tubs are already convincing: they’re light, small, stackable, easy to transport and durable. The production takes place at the factory in Payerne, and each tub takes one day to produce. “The production costs are, indeed, somewhat higher, but the overall costs are favorable,” says Marco Sacchi, director of Naturnetz. As he enthusiastically explains, “Swisspearl fiber cement is a diverse and wonderful building material. In the area of species support, in particular, the palette could be expanded with several additional Swisspearl products,” and adds: “having a major firm like Swisspearl take such projects seriously and give them space to develop is a very positive experience!”

Michèle Rüegg Horme

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“Swisspearl fiber cement is a diverse and wonderful building material. In the area of species support, in particular, the palette could be expanded with several additional Swisspearl products.” Marco Sacchi, Director Naturnetz, Switzerland