The site
This site is adjacent to the “Les Oudins” waterbody, a recreational lake located near the Arc River. Covering a total area of 1.6 hectares, it includes five ponds surrounded by wooded habitats.
Key issues
The site already contains ponds created at the same time as the waterbody. However, their capacity to host a diversity of species is limited because they are all located in fairly closed habitats and are directly surrounded by woodland. This leads to leaf litter and organic matter accumulating in the ponds and reduces water warming by sunlight, making them suitable for common frog species but not for other amphibians such as the common toad, or even the natterjack toad. The aim of this measure is therefore to increase the diversity of aquatic habitats, primarily by acting on the site’s vegetation. This diversity may also attract the Eurasian beaver, which frequents certain sections along the Arc River. The cool, humid microhabitats of the site are also suitable for hosting a plant species transplanted from a construction site: the common adder’s-tongue fern.
Given its direct proximity to the Oudins waterbody, a tourist and transit area, the measure also takes the opportunity to develop an educational component, through facilities allowing the public to enjoy the site and observe biodiversity while respecting natural habitats and the tranquillity of the area.
Partners
Municipality of Villargondran
Objectives
Diversifying and improving amphibian habitats
Improving and supporting public access and raising awareness of ecological issues
Monitoring the evolution of amphibian and plant populations on the site
Discover…
The common toad. For beginners, a few simple clues can help distinguish toads from frogs: their spawn forms strings (two joined strings in the common toad, one or two in the natterjack toad) rather than clusters. In addition, their hind legs are noticeably shorter, meaning they do not “dive” into the water. However, this does not limit the distances they can travel on land, for example between their hibernation site and breeding site, which can easily exceed one kilometre: common toads are very good walkers!