Toads are currently causing a stir at Bolzano Airport. The South Tyrolean Greens accuse the airport of having destroyed the habitat of the largest green toad population during dredging work for the runway extension.

This species and its habitats are under strict protection in the European Union. How it happened that this was destroyed in the course of construction work is not entirely clear. In any case, the Herpeton Animal Welfare Association claims that all animals have perished.

According to the Green Party, several inquiries have been made in the state parliament. Initially, the responsible state councilor claimed that she did not know anything about the green turtles, but then rowed back and stated that the population had been known at least since 2013. The Greens are annoyed that the amphibians were not given a chance to survive in the course of the EIA test.