The Natura 2000 site Fire-bellied toad area Strothe /Almstorf is part of the natural area of the Luneburg Heath. It is located in the Uelzen / Bevensen basin (atlantic region).

The area is a moraine plateau hemmed in by a terminal moraine. There are many small ponds, bogs previously used for cutting peat, bog woodlands and temporarily flooded grassland, all connected through corridors. The Röbbel beck runs through the area.

The area hosts the last know European population of the fire-bellied toad in the atlantic region. Despite conservation efforts, the population continued to decrease. The fire-bellied toad is considered extinct in this area since 2007. A last intensive research (spawn and calling) in 2009 did not result in any recordings. Apparently, suitable breeding ponds for this species are not present any more. 

For Lower Saxony, the presence of the common spadefoot, the tree frog and the great Crested newt are of particular importance.

The aim is the restoration of the habitat of the fire-bellied toad through the creation and restoration of ponds and the subsequent reintroduction of this species

Size: 203 ha

Local Contact: Uelzen District Council, NABU Uelzen

Photo: Almstorf bog (Florian Bibelriether)