What is the impact of the invasive tree frogs on the Galápagos Islands?

The invasive tree frogs are believed to be disrupting the Galápagos' delicate ecosystems, potentially depleting the food sources of endemic birds or affecting pollination on the islands. However, the full extent of their impact is still largely unknown.

How many tree frogs have invaded the Galápagos Islands?

Scientists estimate that there are hundreds of thousands of invasive tree frogs on the islands of Isabela and Santa Cruz, with populations growing rapidly.

What efforts have been made to control the tree frog invasion in the Galápagos?

Attempts to control the frog populations in the early 2000s, such as capturing them by hand or increasing the salinity of lagoons, have largely been unsuccessful. Researchers are still searching for effective ways to manage the invasion.

Home / Environment / Invasive Tree Frogs Overwhelm Galápagos, Leaving Scientists Scrambling for Solutions

Invasive Tree Frogs Overwhelm Galápagos, Leaving Scientists Scrambling for Solutions

4 Nov

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Summary

Hundreds of thousands of tree frogs have invaded the Galápagos Islands
Frogs' impact on rare wildlife and ecosystems is still largely unknown
Attempts to control the frog population have been largely unsuccessful so far

Invasive Tree Frogs Overwhelm Galápagos, Leaving Scientists Scrambling for Solutions

As of November 4th, 2025, the Galápagos Islands are facing a growing crisis as hundreds of thousands of invasive tree frogs have established a strong foothold on the archipelago. The frogs, which are believed to have arrived as stowaways on cargo ships from mainland Ecuador in the late 1990s, have now spread to two major islands: Isabela and Santa Cruz.

The sheer abundance of the frogs is staggering, with scientists estimating populations in the hundreds of thousands on each island. Their nightly mating calls have become a source of frustration for local farmers, who say the "acoustic chaos" keeps them up at night. However, the frogs' impact on the Galápagos' rare and delicately balanced ecosystems is still largely unknown.