Climate Change Alters Frog Mating Calls

Warming Temperatures Shift Frog Courtship Songs, Impacting Breeding Cycles

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new study from the University of California, Davis reveals that warming temperatures are directly impacting the quality of male frogs' mating calls, with their songs transitioning from gradual and 'sluggish' to faster and more energetic. This shift in call quality serves as a crucial signal to female frogs, indicating optimal breeding conditions. Researchers say this discovery could 'revolutionize the study of phenological responses to climate change' and have implications for conservation efforts as amphibian populations face extinction threats.

Why it matters

The changing frog chorus highlights how climate change is disrupting established natural patterns and cycles. Understanding how warming temperatures impact breeding behaviors is critical for conservation, as shifts in breeding times could further endanger vulnerable amphibian populations. The research also suggests these findings may apply to other species that rely on mating calls, broadening the potential implications.

The details

Researchers at UC Davis recorded frog calls at Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve and Lassen Field Station, confirming that songs from the same male Sierran treefrogs were consistently faster when water temperatures were higher. The shift in call quality isn't solely about attracting a mate - the speed and vigor of the song also signals to females that environmental conditions are optimal for egg-laying. This creates a tension, as males benefit from arriving at breeding ponds early to establish territory, while females benefit from delaying their arrival until conditions are just right.

  • The study was published in February 2026 in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.
  • Researchers recorded frog calls at Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve and Lassen Field Station in California.

The players

Julianne Pekny

The lead author of the study and the director of conservation science with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy in North Carolina.

Brian Todd

A co-author of the study and a professor in the UC Davis Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology department.

Eric Post

The senior author of the study and a professor at UC Davis.

Sierran treefrogs

The species of frogs studied, whose mating calls were recorded and analyzed by the researchers.

Quail Ridge Ecological Reserve

One of the locations where researchers recorded frog calls for the study.

Lassen Field Station

Another location where researchers recorded frog calls for the study.

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What they’re saying

“As ponds warm, male frogs go from sounding slow and sluggish to faster and almost desperate.”

— Julianne Pekny, Lead author of the study (Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment)

“It's in the best interest of females to get there when it's actually time to go and lay their eggs.”

— Brian Todd, Co-author of the study (Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment)

“This study could revolutionize the study of phenological responses to climate change.”

— Eric Post, Senior author of the study (Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment)

What’s next

Researchers encourage the public to become citizen scientists by listening to the changing chorus of frogs in their local environments and reporting any observed shifts in timing or quality of frog calls.

The takeaway

This research highlights how climate change is disrupting natural cycles and patterns, with potentially far-reaching implications for amphibian conservation. By understanding how warming temperatures impact frog breeding behaviors, scientists can better predict and mitigate the effects of phenological shifts driven by a changing climate.