RapportFondation_2026_V03 Pages LIGHT EN - Flipbook - Page 29
2025 REPORT
WALLONIA
©Julien Libert
The European tree frog
returns to Wallonia
AMOUNT COMMITED TO DATE: WE CONTRIBUTE
THROUGH THE TIME AND COMMITMENT OF OUR TEAMS.
2022 > PRESENT
The European tree frog, a small amphibian reaching
around 4 cm in length and recognisable by its bright
green colour, was once widely distributed across
Wallonia. Due to the intensification of agriculture
and urban development, its habitats have gradually
deteriorated and become fragmented. This species
depends on very specific environments: sunny, shallow
ponds for breeding, and hedgerows, tall grass and
shrubs for shelter and movement. The loss of these
habitats led to a drastic population decline, until the
species disappeared entirely from Wallonia in the late
1980s.
In response to this situation, Natagora launched a
reintroduction programme in 2022 aimed at restoring
viable and sustainable populations in Wallonia, with
active participation from Pairi Daiza and the Pairi Daiza
Foundation. The Park’s teams contribute their expertise
by raising tadpoles until metamorphosis before releasing
them into suitable nature reserves. Scientific monitoring
is then carried out to assess their adaptation and measure
the success of the reintroduction.
RECENT PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS:
IN 2025, 1,100 EUROPEAN TREE FROGS WERE RELEASED INTO PROTECTED AREAS IN
WALLONIA AS PART OF NATAGORA’S REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMME, INCLUDING 613
INDIVIDUALS AND 220 TADPOLES RAISED AT PAIRI DAIZA.
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