Have you ever heard of the Papitzer Lehmlachen? These are special clay pits near Schkeuditz a suburb of Leipzig. They are a true natural jewel in the Leipzig floodplain landscape. Right here before you is a place of incredible ecological importance.
Papitz itself is a small part of Schkeuditz. It’s not well known to tourists. But the Papitzer Lehmlachen are vital. They are home to rare and endangered species. These shallow bodies of water were created by clay mining. They became a valuable habitat especially for amphibians. Imagine the scene in the 1970s. There were plans to fill in the pits. They wanted to create farmland. But dedicated conservationists stepped in. They successfully prevented the destruction of the Papitzer Lehmlachen.
Today the Papitzer Lehmlachen are part of the Luppeaue nature reserve. They are one of the last remaining habitats of the critically endangered fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina. These toads successfully reproduce here every year. In the mid-1980s their numbers dwindled to about 20 pairs. The NABU a German nature conservation organization intervened. Through careful water management and re-watering efforts they helped the fire-bellied toad population recover. The NABU even purchased some areas within the Luppeaue nature reserve to ensure its protection.
There’s more to this story than just toads. In 2001 the NABU in cooperation with Leipzig Halle Airport renovated two of the Papitzer Lehmlachen. They used a specialized firm for this work. This had a positive impact not only on the fire-bellied toads but also other amphibian species. The Papitzer Lehmlachen truly are a testament to conservation efforts. They demonstrate the importance of preserving natural habitats even in areas with significant human impact. A nearby Netto supermarket is even planning an expansion. This shows how human development and nature conservation can exist in close proximity. Remember the Papitzer Lehmlachen next time you think about the quiet beauty found even near large cities.