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Ponds and pools provide a habitat for a range of aquatic plants and animals and are also an attraction for people in the city. Many species of water lilies and dragonflies, frogs and other amphibians have colonized these biotopes. The female of the native crested newt (Triturus cristatus), for example, lays her eggs individually on the leaves of aquatic plants. The common toad, which is common in Bonn, also lays long spawning strings, consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 eggs, only in lakes and ponds.
Fish are usually introduced by humans and pose a problem for amphibians in large numbers: They eat their eggs or larvae, which normally only have to be wary of the voracious dragonfly larvae. On hot summer days, these urban stillwaters are vital for many animals to cool off or quench their thirst.
Did you know?
Small pond, big impact
Common toads mating.
On hot summer days, you can literally feel how the climate improves in the vicinity of bodies of water - the air is not so dry and the temperature is more pleasant. In fact, even the smallest expanse of water has a positive effect on the surrounding area in summer. In the city, where most surfaces are sealed with houses and roads, the air heats up particularly quickly. Small and large ponds then ensure higher humidity, a more pleasant urban climate and provide a habitat for many interesting animals and plants.
Portrait: Dragonflies
Greetings from prehistoric times
Blue-green mosaic damselfly.
We are fascinated by dragonflies (Odonata), the brightly colored insects that can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h (!). Some people believe that dragonflies can sting, but this is not true - they are completely harmless to humans. They only make short work of their prey, which is always animal, and the dragonfly larvae that live in the water are particularly dangerous hunters. There are 81 species in Germany, some of which are quite common and like to settle in bodies of water.
What few people know: Dragonflies already existed in prehistoric times, more than 300 million years ago. However, their wingspan back then was 70 centimetres - so be careful!
Naturefriends tip
No real natural garden without water! However, maintaining a garden pond and the work involved is not everyone's cup of tea. For small gardens or balconies, "mini ponds" with pretty aquatic plants can be created in tubs or tubs, in which dragonfly larvae, water fleas and other creatures can be found over time.
A shallow bird bath is ideal for birds and insects. There is a lot going on here on hot days and observers get their money's worth.
