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Beyond the Paddy Fields: Riparian Reed Beds as Essential Natural Habitat for the Critically Endangered Suweon
Kyo Soung Koo1, Eun Jin Park2, Seung Nam Jin3
1Korean Environmental Geography Institute Sejong South Korea.
Ecology and Evolution
|July 31, 2026
Summary
The critically endangered Suweon treefrog primarily uses riparian reed habitats, not rice paddies, during its non-breeding season. Conservation efforts must protect these vital reed-associated wetlands for the species’ survival.
Area of Science:
- Amphibian ecology
- Conservation biology
- Herpetology
Background:
- The Suweon treefrog (Dryophytes suweonensis) is a Korean endemic, critically endangered amphibian.
- It is traditionally associated with rice paddies, but this may not reflect its full habitat needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-breeding season habitat use of the Suweon treefrog.
- To re-examine the species' dependence on rice paddy habitats.
Main Methods:
- Intensive field surveys were conducted in Pyeongtaek, a core distribution area.
- Habitat use was assessed during the pre-breeding period of 2024.
Main Results:
- 701 Suweon treefrogs were detected, with 697 in the 1.6 km² study area.
- No individuals were found in rice paddies; all were in riparian waterways, predominantly on Common reed (Phragmites australis).
Conclusions:
- Riparian reed habitats are critical for the Suweon treefrog during the non-breeding season.
- Conservation strategies should include protection and restoration of reed-associated wetlands, not just rice paddies.
- Reassessing habitat associations for species linked to anthropogenic environments is necessary.
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