The Nature Agency takes steps to save rare bell frogs on Als. In an attempt to ensure the survival of the threatened bell frog, the Nature Agency will release 2700 of these frogs on Als over the next three years. On Tuesday, 900 bell frogs will be reintroduced at Egetofte in Sønderskoven and at Arnkilsøre. The bell frog, which is rare in Denmark, is suffering due to the lack of suitable habitats, the Nature Agency writes in a press release.
According to Lonnie Jessen, a biologist at the Nature Agency, the bell frog is currently only found in the southern Funen archipelago. This is due to the fact that the species is under pressure from climate change and rising sea levels. Jessen expresses hope that the frog will thrive in the selected areas on Als. In order to increase the chances of survival, the Nature Agency will establish more ponds in the coming years in addition to the existing ones.
The bell frog has specific habitat requirements, as it thrives best in clear, shallow ponds surrounded by grazed meadows. Historically, there have been more grazed areas, but intensive agriculture has reduced them, negatively impacting the frog’s habitats. In addition to Tuesday’s reintroduction, a further 1800 bell frogs will be released in the following two years, bringing the total number to 2700.
The bell frog plays an important role in the natural ecosystem by consuming a large number of small animals and insects. Jessen notes that while birds also eat the bell frog, it is hoped that some of the frogs will survive. Last summer, the municipality of Sønderborg also released 900 bell frogs at Kær Vestermark on Als, but otherwise, the frog is only naturally occurring in South Funen. Prior to the reintroduction on Als, the bell frog had not been seen in the area for 80 years, according to the Ministry of the Environment.
At Egetofte in Sønderskoven and at Arnkilsøre, managed by the Nature Agency, grazing of the meadows around the shallow ponds has been taking place for many years, creating a suitable habitat for the bell frog. The reintroduction will take place on Tuesday, July 16, at Egetofte Nature School.