The Treefrogs of Denman Island

One of a Kind Treefrog Chalets: Only on Denman Island!

In 1997, there arose a demand for frog habitat after it was threatened due to the increase in aggressive logging practices that continued until 2001.

Internationally renowned local wildlife artist Peter Karsten answered the concerned call from Denman Islanders with creative ingenuity. He constructed 100 "chalets" uniquely designed according to carefully tested dimensions that give frogs the sensation of edging into a secure nook with protection over their backs. The frog-sized chalets were a trim 1-inch high, 2-inches in width, and 3-inches in length. We are happy to report that the active housing assistance for frogs on Denman Island has succeeded in restoring a thriving treefrog population.

Identifying Pacific Treefrogs on Denman Island

There are approximately 600 species of treefrogs around the world, with more of them located in the eastern part of North America than in the western part of the continent. Here on Denman Island, someone with a keen eye may find one or two Pacific Treefrogs, (Hyla Regilla), sleeping inside a bed of roses. This is how they prefer to pass their days, as treefrogs are generally nocturnal. When they are observed in their flowery nests during daylight hours it is apparent that they tend to hibernate in one location until dusk.

Adult Pacific Treefrogs are no larger in size than 2 inches from nose to end, fitting nicely between rose petals. Only an alert person will spot a creature so tiny and well camouflaged. The skin of the Pacific Treefrog is rough and the color varies greatly from green to light tan to black with dark spots. The pattern of coloration can change in a rather short period of time. After ten minutes a dark brown frog without any visible spots can become pale green with an abundance of dark spots. This coastal species of treefrog has a black stripe through its eyes, and usually, a dark triangle between the eyes. It has a large head, with a rounded snout, a slim midsection, and very large eyes.

Songs of the Pacific Treefrog

Taxonomists use the name Pseudacris regilla to refer specifically to the Pacific Chorus Treefrogs that perform their mesmerizing concert during spring mating season. Denman Island's natural reserve of clean water provides a necessary link between frog and environment. In order for treefrogs to multiply successfully they must lay their eggs in fresh water. The eggs soon hatch into tadpoles and become thumbnail sized froglets by midsummer.

The male Pacific Treefrog has a noticeably darker throat than the female, ranging in colour from yellowish-gray to dark brown. It is the males who inflate their throat pouches during breeding season to emit a remarkably resonant call for such a little critter. The peace and quiet of Denman Island's rural community offers an ideal setting for listening to the contemplative lovesongs created by the chorus of Pacific Treefrogs.

The famous "ribbit" courtship song of this species has been extensively recorded for background effects by the movie industry. (Perhaps it is the Pacific Treefrogs' taste of Hollywood has given it an appreciation for a glamorous bed of rose petals!) Other than the famous mating call, treefrogs will vocalize a single low-key "crrreck" that can be heard on most humid and rainy evenings.

A Name is Just a Name

Treefrogs are well suited to Denman Island considering the abundance of big beautiful trees to climb. They are adapted to scaling vertical surfaces because their sticky pads give them a particularly good grip, much like having suction cups for toes. An extra cartilage, between the last two digits on each foot, gives the treefrog an unparalleled ability to cling to and jump onto almost any surface. However, contrary to their name, the Pacific Treefrog is chiefly a ground dweller, inhabiting the foliage among shrubs and grass, close to the water, feasting on bugs. Naturally more terrestrial than arboreal, Denman Island's Pacific Treefrogs tend to climb no higher than 2 feet up a tree, using their adhesive pads primarily in defensive action against passing hungry snakes.

This versatile species is irresistible. Visit a pond on Denman Island to witness the fascinating life of a Pacific Treefrog and its remarkable metamorphosis from water creature to land dweller. If you are lucky, you will come face to face with a treasured amphibian Islander.