Reintroduction of the European tree frog in Wallonia, a project on the right track

In April 2024, we welcomed several hundred small tree frog eggs and installed them in aquariums adapted to their needs. Our mission? To welcome these little amphibians by feeding them, changing the water and monitoring their development.

Before embarking on this adventure, part of our team (educational, care and technical) got together to prepare for their arrival. They gathered all the necessary equipment, rinsed, cleaned and disinfected their new home to welcome them in a clean and healthy environment. They then filled their habitat with water to ensure it was at the right temperature.

At the beginning of April, the egg-laying frogs arrived at our institution. Our team then carefully placed them in several aquariums: the first phase of the breeding process, known as the aquatic phase, had now begun. 

An initial natural sorting was carried out between the fertilised and unfertilised clutches, and we were able to witness the hatching of just over 500 tadpoles. After the hatching period, we monitored their development over the weeks.

The various stages take place under the supervision of our team and are carried out in optimal conditions. 

Our little tadpoles are growing by leaps and bounds. The first legs began to appear in May. Our team keeps a close eye on the regular water changes, the cleaning of the aquarium and the preparation of delicious hot salads. 

The aim is to reintroduce the tree frogs to their natural habitat once they have fully developed. 

This ambitious programme is being carried out in collaboration with Natagora's Raînne unit, the Natuurpunt association and the Laboratoire d'Écologie et de Conservation des Amphibiens (LECA).

View the evolution through different photographs