Volunteers working along the Río Guadalfeo in Salobreña haven't only picked up rubbish and planted trees, but they have given amphibians a helping hand, too.

Their latest project was to build a pond for frogs & toads, not far from the mouth of the river, with an aim to increase ‘diversity’ within the local fauna

Around 30 volunteers took part, which involved digging the space for the pond, which is five by five metres in extension.

Olmo Nieto, who is a coordinator at the Environmental Department of the Town Hall, explained that one group of volunteers set about with digging equipment and plastic to create an impermiable base, whilst another one set out to look for “residents” for the pond.

The project wants to use local amphibians, mainly Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis), also known as stripeless tree frogs. They also sought out frogspawn so that when they hatch, they will consider the manmade pond their home.

The pond is next to a natural spring so that water is guaranteed. There is also a small fence erected around it; more of a boundary marker rather than a deterent. People are asked to respect the fence so as not to affect the pond life with constant human interference.

(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia – Photo: Radiosalobreña))