Significant increase in endangered tree frogs spotted in Noord-Brabant

The tree frog has been spotted again in the forests between Tilburg and Breda. A few years ago, an 11-kilometer-long ecological corridor was created here to connect several small nature areas, making it easier for animals like these to move around. According to the Brabantse Delta water board, this has led to a significant increase in the number of tree frogs, which until recently were among the most endangered amphibian species in the Netherlands.

Volunteers recently counted 80 green tree frogs in the Chaamse bossen. But according to an ecologist of the Brabantse Delta, there are sometimes around 200 of the frogs in this area. This is a hugely positive development compared to five years ago, when a solitary tree frog was spotted.

“A fantastic result, because the tree frog is an important indicator of nature quality,” the water authority said. The species needs both wet and dry areas, which is why a connection was created between the Molenschotse Heide and the Chaamse bossen, including numerous water pools.

The Ecologische Verbindingszone (EVZ) Boomkikker is a designated ecological corridor stretching over 11 km and about 25–30 m wide, connecting the Molenschotse Heide near Gilze‑Rijen to the Chaamse Bossen via Breda.

The tree frog population in the Netherlands decreased by 80 percent since the late 20th century. Beyond tree frogs, the corridor and associated habitat improvements benefit a wide array of wildlife, from dragonflies and insect species to shrubland birds and other reptiles and mammals.