IUCN Rapid Response Fund – eradication of the African clawed frog in collaboration with Wallonia
(INBO)
Details
The aim of this project is to efficiently suppress a relatively recent and expanding invasion of the non-native African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), an IAS listed on the Union list under EU Regulation, in the border region. The invaded area includes both West Flanders and Hainaut. A combination of spatiotemporal monitoring (via eDNA), the deployment of various control methods, and coordinated cross-border collaboration between the two regions is required to achieve regional eradication of this species. INBO, together with Walloon partners, intend to apply to the IUCN European Invasive Alien Species Rapid Response Fund through a project proposal. The Flanders Environment Agency (ANB) supports this initiative and, via Natuurwerk VZW, provides additional manpower for project implementation in Flanders.
Objectives
The main objective is to effectively control and permanently eradicate the African clawed frog population in the region. To achieve this, we are focusing on:
- Control measures in pools and the Douvebeek: we are prioritising breeding pools so that the species can be controlled from west to east in order to protect the IJzer basin,
- Scientific research: we are investigating the phenology and migration of the African clawed frog, in order to subsequently adjust control measures within the framework of adaptive management,
- Transregional cooperation: we are committed to structural coordination between partners in Flanders and Wallonia to maximise effectiveness and prevent further spread of the African clawed frog.
Approach and activities
An adaptive management plan, based on ecological data and local feasibility, serves as the guideline for implementation. The practical activities include:
- eDNA monitoring: we analyse water samples to accurately detect the species, estimate population densities and monitor the success of the measures,
- Targeted control: we combine various methods, including traps, barriers, treatment with quicklime and the filling in of pools,
- Migration barriers: we install barriers and traps along waterways to interrupt the species’ spread via the stream.
- Knowledge sharing: we continuously coordinate actions between the different regions and share the results with all stakeholders.
Spotted a clawed frog? You can report this via waarnemingen.be
Partners
This project is led by the INBO’s Own Capital (EV INBO) and is supported by the Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB), Natuurwerk vzw, the Province of West Flanders, the Wallonia Public Service (SPW), and the Escaut-Lys River Contract Asbl (CREL).
With the financial support of:
Further information: see IUCN Xenopus website
| Status | Running |
|---|---|
| Actual start/end date | 01/03/2026 - 28/02/2027 |
Teams
INBO Research theme(s)
- Invasive species
Tags
- alienspecies
- invasivespecies
- iucn
- rapidresponse
- wallonia