Green Tree Frog

With their cheerful appearance and distinctive call, Green Tree Frogs are often featured in educational programs and regional iconography throughout the southeastern United States. Their presence in local folklore and as symbols of healthy wetlands has made them a beloved ambassador for amphibian conservation and environmental awareness.

• The Green Tree Frog is the official state amphibian of Louisiana and Georgia.
• Its bright green color can change slightly depending on temperature and humidity.
• This species is commonly kept as a pet due to its manageable size and gentle nature.
• Green Tree Frogs are sensitive to pollutants, making them excellent indicators of ecosystem health.

Green Tree Frogs inhabit arboreal environments, especially in wetlands, marshes, and areas with shallow, still waters. Their native range spans the southeastern United States, where warm, humid conditions and abundant vegetation provide ideal shelter and breeding sites.

These frogs undergo a classic amphibian life cycle: eggs are laid on aquatic vegetation in shallow water, hatch into tadpoles, and metamorphose into terrestrial adults. Breeding is triggered by warm, rainy nights, and adults return to water each season to reproduce, continuing the cycle.

Green Tree Frogs are insectivores, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates such as flies, moths, and beetles. They hunt primarily at night, using their sticky tongues to catch prey among foliage and wetland plants.

As both predator and prey, Green Tree Frogs play a vital role in wetland ecosystems. They help regulate insect populations and serve as a food source for birds, snakes, and larger amphibians. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them important bioindicators, signaling the health of their habitats.

The Green Tree Frog is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting stable populations across its native range. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on preserving wetland habitats and monitoring environmental health to ensure long-term viability.

While generally resilient, Green Tree Frogs are vulnerable to habitat loss, water pollution, and diseases such as chytridiomycosis. Their dependence on clean, stable wetlands makes them susceptible to environmental disturbances, but their adaptability to various arboreal habitats offers some protection against localized threats.

Green Tree Frogs are popular in the pet trade due to their attractive appearance and ease of care. They are also featured in educational initiatives and serve as regional mascots, promoting conservation and ecological awareness. Their presence in gardens and natural spaces is valued for insect control and as a sign of healthy environments.

The Green Tree Frog is not considered invasive outside its native range and is not subject to regulatory restrictions. There are no significant reports of established non-native populations causing ecological disruption.