Discover the first-ever observation of tree-climbing toads and frogs in Poland, highlighting unique amphibian behavior and conservation needs.
Researchers from the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (UPP) have documented an extraordinary phenomenon: common toads (Bufo bufo) and European common frogs (Rana temporaria) climbing trees in a city park. This unprecedented behavior, never before observed in Poland, saw some toads reaching over 2 meters above ground.
Unique Amphibian Behavior
The findings challenge assumptions that non-arboreal amphibians stick to water or ground habitats. Twelve toads and two frogs were spotted on three trees in the “Traszki Ratajskie” ecological area—two mature willows and a leaning dead birch. The trees’ unique structures, with moss-covered trunks and crevices, seem to aid the animals’ climbing.
Global Implications for Conservation
Similar behavior has only been sporadically observed in Spain, Denmark, and the UK. The discovery underscores the ecological importance of preserving mature, moss-covered trees, particularly in urban environments. Researchers emphasize that such trees provide irreplaceable habitats, crucial for amphibian conservation, and advocate cautious decision-making about tree removal.