In May 2025, Shanghai conservationists reintroduced the spotless tree toad (*Hyla immaculata*) into the city's agricultural landscapes. This marks a significant step in restoring the toad's role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. The species had been absent from the city for over two decades.
The reintroduction took place in a 300-square-meter experimental plot in Shanghai's Fengxian district. Just a week after releasing 24 adult toads, tadpoles were observed. These tadpoles are now being transferred to a laboratory for artificial rearing.
The spotless tree toad, also known as the Chinese immaculate treefrog, is crucial for controlling insect populations and serves as an indicator of ecosystem health. Historically, habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural expansion threatened the species. The last wild sighting in Shanghai was around 20 years ago.
In 2023, Forest City Studio obtained tadpoles from Nanjing Forestry University. They established a 6.67-hectare research site in Fengxian district. This site is divided into nine zones to determine optimal habitats for the toads, featuring ponds and native plants.
The research aims to reproduce as many as 2,000 young toads by the end of 2025. If successful, they will be released back into the wild, potentially enriching Shanghai's biodiversity. This effort aligns with China's broader initiatives to protect biodiversity.
The National Forestry and Grassland Administration reported a steady increase in populations of rare and endangered wild species. Over 200 animal species are entering a stage of restorative growth. This includes the construction of a national park system, which will be the largest in the world.
The reintroduction of the spotless tree toad in Shanghai's farmlands represents a significant commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.