Rare bell frogs breed again on Als after 80 years

A conservation project to reintroduce the rare bell frog to Als has succeeded, with the species breeding in the wild for the first time in roughly 80 years, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

The frogs, known for their bell-like croaking and blue-black undersides with orange, red, or yellow spots, have now reproduced in selected areas near Egetofte in Sønderskoven and on Arnkilsøre.

Biologist Lonnie Jessen of the Nature Agency of Southern Jutland called the development a major milestone. “I was over the moon when it happened,” she said. “Of course, this was the plan from the start, but you never know if it will work. Many factors are at play, and we don’t know how many will survive year to year.”

The agency first released 900 bell frogs into the area two years ago, followed by another 900 last year. The frogs require open, sunlit water holes and grasslands long grazed by livestock such as cows or horses.

“Bell frogs are naturally found in very few places in Denmark, so it’s huge that they have now started breeding,” Jessen said. “It means the species now has another population that can hopefully sustain itself—that’s the goal of our project.”

Next week, the final 900 frogs will be released as part of the three-year reintroduction effort. This autumn, additional water holes will be dug to secure food sources and breeding sites.