Create microclimate and microhabitat refuges

1Studies investigating the effects of creating refuges are discussed in ‘Habitat restoration and creation’ and ‘Threat: Biological resource use — Leave coarse woody debris in forests’.

Maintain ephemeral ponds

2Studies investigating the effects of regulating water levels and deepening ponds are discussed in ‘Threat: Natural system modifications — Regulate water levels’ and ‘Habitat restoration and creation — Deepen, de-silt or re-profile ponds’.

Beneficial

Deepen ponds to prevent desiccation

3Four studies, including one replicated, controlled study, in France, Denmark and the UK found that pond deepening and enlarging or re-profiling resulted in establishment or increased populations of amphibians. Four before-and-after studies in Denmark and the UK found that pond deepening, along with other interventions, maintained newt or increased toad populations. Assessment for ‘Deepen, de-silt or re-profie ponds’ from ‘Habitat restoration and creation’ section: beneficial (effectiveness 71 %; certainty 65 %; harms 0 %).

4http://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/806

Unknown effectiveness (limited evidence)

Use irrigation systems for amphibian sites

5One before-and-after study in Tanzania found that installing a sprinkler system to mitigate against a reduction of river flow did not maintain a population of Kihansi spray toads. Assessment for ‘Artificially mist habitat to keep it damp’ from ‘Threat: Energy production and mining’ section: unknown effectiveness — limited evidence (effectiveness 24 %; certainty 20 %; harms 0 %).

6http://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/804

No evidence found (no assessment)

7We have captured no evidence for the following interventions:

• Artificially shade ponds to prevent desiccation
• Protect habitat along elevational gradients
• Provide shelter habitat.