The European tree frog has made a remarkable comeback in Belgium decades after being on the brink of extinction, stated Flemish nature conservation organisation Natuurpunt on Thursday. Though the species has benefited from a warmer climate, the organisation warns against the harmful impacts of climate change.
This year, 11,144 male tree frogs were recorded, a remarkable increase compared to the 97 counted in 2006. Around 70% of the frogs were spotted in Limburg.
The hotter temperatures are a significant driving force behind the growth in population, according to the organisation, which added that frogs have established themselves in areas that were previously too cold for their survival. Hotter temperatures facilitate the frogs' reproductive process, as well as increase the availability of food sources such as insects.
Although Natuurpunt explained that these trends make the tree frogs 'climate refugees' in a positive sense, it further emphasised that other consequences of climate change could pose significant risks in the future. This includes the altered precipitation levels and the spread of diseases.
Moreover, the organisation highlighted that protection organisations and authorities have been investing in the restoration and creation of suitable habitats. Targeted measures such as wetland restoration, the creation of suitable breeding sites, landscape improvements, and invasive species elimination have greatly improved the frogs' situation in recent years.
