SOS Amphibians 2025 at Avigliana

For 2025, the SOS Amphibians campaign organized by the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps and the Municipality of Avigliana is enriched with additional initiatives. The objective of the actions is to protect populations of toads, frogs, and salamanders during a particularly delicate period like the breeding season and to raise awareness among the population about their importance in maintaining ecological balances in the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park. Between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, in fact, these precious species migrate from hilly areas to the wet areas of the Mareschi Marsh for mating and the laying of eggs, which occurs in water.

Night closure of via Grignetto

The main novelty of 2025 is the night closure of via Grignetto from February 17 to March 16, operating from 8 PM to 7 AM, along the stretch between Borgata Grignetto and Borgata Dino. This is a measure that may cause some inconvenience to the population – even though there are no residences in the affected area – but has become even more necessary due to the decline in amphibian populations recorded during the last particularly dry winters. Via Grignetto, in fact, is a so-called ecological barrier as it separates the woods where animals shelter during the coldest season from the marsh where reproduction occurs, leading to numerous roadkill under vehicle tires. To counter this issue, this year Ecovolunteers and Park Rangers have installed nets to direct road crossings towards toad tunnels, which are passages under the roadway that allow for safe crossing. However, the constant decline in populations recorded by the monitoring carried out by the Park Authority requires further protective measures.

The Night of the Toads doubles!

The success recorded during the last editions of the Night of the Toads has convinced the organizers to double the appointment. It is an evening where Park Rangers, technical personnel, and Guides of the Cozie Alps Parks will accompany the public on a guided night hike within the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park to learn more about amphibians by observing them in their natural environment. The appointments are set for Friday, February 28, and Friday, March 7, with registrations at the Avigliana Tourist Office. In respect of the sensitive environment and for organizational reasons, participation is limited to a maximum of 100 people per evening.

Other awareness initiatives

Activities will continue with meetings in local schools organized by the Guides of the Cozie Alps Parks, who will distribute to all children a specially designed bookmark with useful information about the SOS Amphibians campaign. Finally, it is noted that an informational brochure titled "Amphibians. Instructions for Use" is being distributed to raise public awareness of the ecological value of the species that populate forests and wetlands in the Avigliana Lakes Natural Park.