After near extinction, tree frogs make strong comeback in Belgium

European tree frogs are making a strong comeback in Belgium after almost disappearing at the turn of the century. The frogs are climate refugees in a positive sense, as higher temperatures mean more food is available.

Nature organisations counted more than 11,000 male tree frogs in Flanders this year, up from just 97 males in 2003. About seventy per cent of the frogs were observed in the province of Limburg. 

"Thanks to targeted measures such as the restoration of wetlands, the creation of suitable breeding sites, the improvement of terrestrial habitats, and the removal of invasive species, the situation for the tree frog has improved significantly in recent years," said nature organisation Natuurpunt.

In recent years, the animals have been found settling in areas that were previously too cold

In Wallonia, where the species died out completely around the turn of the century, tree frogs are making a more modest comeback after being reintroduced in 2022. In May this year, the region reported that, for the first time, it had found evidence that the frogs were breeding naturally again. 

One of the most obvious signs of a growing population is the number of calling males, who call loudly to attract females. In recent years, the animals have been found settling in areas that were previously too cold. 

Other effects of climate change can also negatively affect the frogs 

"Whereas tree frogs did not start calling until mid-April at the turn of the century, in recent years they can be heard as early as the beginning of March, and they are still foraging very late in the season," said Natuurpunt. 

The tree frog is a "climate refugee in the positive sense of the word," the organisation said, adding that other effects of climate change, such as changes in rainfall patterns and the spread of disease, can also negatively affect the frogs. 

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