Warmer average temperatures allow cold-sensitive amphibians to survive in areas previously too cool
Longer warm seasons extend breeding windows
📌 Studies show amphibian ranges shifting northward across North America and Europe.
2. Increased Rainfall & Temporary Wetlands
More frequent heavy rains create ideal breeding sites: shallow, fish-free pools
Soybean fields and ditches can temporarily hold water — perfect for frog reproduction
✅ Unlike permanent ponds, these short-lived pools lack predators like fish, giving tadpoles a better chance to develop.
🐸 About the Gray Tree Frog
🎵 Call
High-pitched trill, like a bird chirp — often heard at night after rain
🌱 Habitat
Woodlands, gardens, farmlands — anywhere with moisture and cover
🐣 Breeding Season
Late spring to early summer
🛡️ Skin
Produces a mild toxin to deter predators — harmless to humans
🪴 They climb well thanks to sticky toe pads — hence the name “tree frog.”
✅ How Farmers Can Support Amphibian Life
Discoveries like Thomas’s remind us how agriculture and nature can coexist.
Here’s how landowners can help:
Preserve small wetlands or drainage ditches — even seasonal ones
Avoid pesticides near water sources — frogs are highly sensitive to chemicals
Leave leaf litter and brush piles — provides shelter for adult frogs
Report unusual wildlife sightings — helps scientists track species movement
🌱 Every small habitat supports biodiversity.
❌ Debunking Common Myths
❌ “Only forests have frogs”
False — frogs adapt to farms, suburbs, and urban parks
❌ “All strange eggs are invasive or dangerous”
No — most native species pose no threat
❌ “Touching frog eggs will harm them”
Best to avoid handling — oils and bacteria from hands can damage delicate membranes
❌ “Frogs lay eggs only in lakes”
Most prefer temporary, predator-free pools
⚠️ Never move eggs or tadpoles — it can spread disease or invasive species.
