Recommendation in the spotlight: African clawed frog
The African clawed frog is an invasive alien species that was discovered in 2022 in three breeding pools in the Mesen and Heuvelland regions. By 2025, the species will already cover an area of more than 100 km² in the Douve and Lys valleys, on the border between Flanders, Wallonia, and France.
It is an opportunistic aquatic carnivore that feeds on invertebrates, amphibians, and fish. Thanks to its high reproductive capacity and resistance to certain pathogens, the species poses a significant threat to native fauna. In particular, the European-protected crested newt is under pressure, as both species coexist in some pools.
The African clawed frog can move both overland to colonize new pools and spread via watercourses, for example in the form of larvae, juveniles, or (sub)adults. The number of known breeding pools is still relatively limited at this time. Rapid and effective control measures can help prevent further expansion.
Within the area in question, there is a tension between the creation of new pools - for example, to benefit the crested newt - and the risk of further spread of the African clawed frog. In the recommendation, we explain what precautionary measures site managers and owners can take during routine management and during construction work on pools and watercourses.