Constructed inshore zones as river corridors through urban areas - the Danube in Vienna: preliminary results

Published source details Chovanec A., Schiemer F., Cabela A., Gressler S., Grotzer C., Pascher K., Raab R., Teufl H. & Wimmer R. (2000) Constructed inshore zones as river corridors through urban areas - the Danube in Vienna: preliminary results. Regulated Rivers-Research & Management, 16, 175-187.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Create or restore ponds Action Link
	Create ponds for amphibians Action Link

Create or restore ponds

A before-and-after study in 1998 of constructed ponds and restructured shoreline of the constructed Danube Island, Austria (Chovanec et al. 2000) found that in the first year, two of nine species found in the surrounding area had colonised the island. Two of nine reptile species (grass snake Natrix natrix and sand lizard Lacerta agilis) recorded in the broader locality were observed on the island at some of the newly created inshore zones. The 21 km shoreline, which was straight with steep embankments, was restructured by creating shallow water areas, gravel banks, small permanent backwaters and temporary waters. Thirteen newly-created inshore zones and existing artificial water bodies (created 1989–1997) and one natural water body were monitored for reptile colonization. Monitoring was undertaken during 20–32 visits (day and night) in February–October 1998 by visual surveys.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Create ponds for amphibians

A before-and-after study in 1998 of constructed ponds and the restructured shoreline of the constructed Danube Island, Austria (Chovanec et al. 2000) found that in the first year, nine of 12 species found on the island colonized and bred in most of the nine inshore water bodies (see also Chovanec, Schiemer, Waidbacher & Spolwind 2002). There was a significantly higher number of species and number of successfully breeding species at those inshore sites compared to water bodies connected to the Danube River. Up to eight species bred in one pond. Colonization was more likely in ponds closer to older ponds. All but two of the other water bodies provided summer habitat for some species. The 21 km shoreline, which was straight with steep embankments, was restructured by creating shallow water areas, gravel banks, small permanent backwaters and temporary waters. Thirteen newly-created inshore zones and existing artificial water bodies (created 1989–1997) and one natural water body were monitored for amphibian colonization. Monitoring was undertaken during 20–32 visits (day and night) in February-October 1998 by visual surveys, audio strip transects and hand-netting.