The Yellow-bellied Ringer (Bombina variegata) is a precious but fragile species! This amphibian, listed as vulnerable on the National Red List, populates our ponds and ruts. It is a mainly forest species in the Grand-Est which is its main area of distribution in France. Its particularity lies in its yellow belly stained with black, unique to each individual, and its heart-shaped pupils.
Why is the Yellow-bellied Ringer endangered?
- Sensitive to disturbance, particularly by motorized vehicles, it suffers from the destruction of its habitat.
- Extreme climatic episodes, such as droughts or torrential rains, threaten its survival and reproduction.
- Its decline is alarming: numbers are decreasing, endangering the sustainability of its populations.
What does the Park do?
Since 2021, we have been carefully monitoring populations of Yellow-bellied Ringers. We have implemented a monitoring protocol inspired by the National Action Plan for the Ringer.
In 2021, the Park and the CPIE Champagne Sud explored Natura 2000 sites in search of water points favorable to ringers.
In 2022, Gautier from the Park team tested the protocol and in 2023 Léa carried out the first year of monitoring.
This year, Vivien is in charge of the second year of follow-up. Next year will be the last year of monitoring.
The aim of monitoring is to assess the numbers present on the sites and to consider their management to sustain the populations of Sonneur.
The case of “Fred”!
We met “Fred”, a male Sonneur living in Trépail, whom we met in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and who deserves a little first name! The first time we caught him, he weighed 0,95 g for 2,6 cm. Now he weighs 5,5 g for 4,2 cm!
A great development!
We remind you that the species is protected and therefore it is prohibited to capture or touch it without special exemption.
The engineering, actions as well as the “2023-2025 Animation of the Natura 2000 sites FR2100271 and FR2100312” are co-financed by the Grand Est Region and the European Union with the European Regional Development Fund.
Themes
