Source Sustainability
Best Choice
Does the harvest for wildlife trade
or captive breeding of this species
harm wild populations?
Little Cause for Concern
White’s Tree Frog populations appear to be thriving in the wild. It is listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an organization that tracks the status of wildlife populations, as a species of Least Concern due to its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, and presumed large population size.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a White’s Tree Frog, ask for proof that it is captive bred from domesticated animals. Only acquire a pet that is from a reputable USDA-licensed breeder or dealer to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal.
Invasion Threat
Fair Choice
Does the release or escape of this species into
the wild harm the environment and/or economy?
Some Cause for Concern
White’s Tree Frogs have established populations in Florida and New Zealand, but there is little evidence that they are causing negative impacts.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Before obtaining a pet White’s Tree Frog, make sure that it is legal to own one in your state of residence and check for permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside a safe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into the wild.
Animal Welfare
Best Choice
Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or
being kept as a pet harm individual animals?
Little Cause for Concern
There is little evidence of negative impacts associated with the harvest, captive breeding, handling or transport of White’s Tree Frogs. One study found no harmful effect from stresses associated with being a household pet on White’s Tree Frogs.
PetWatch Recommendation:
Before acquiring a White’s Tree Frog, be sure to research the animal’s specific care requirements. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper diet and housing for your pet. When purchasing a pet White’s Tree Frog, ask for proof that the animal was bred or collected by a professional wildlife dealer with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.
Health Threat
Worst Choice
Does this animal pose a health risk to native
wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?
Significant Cause for Concern
White’s Tree Frogs are known carriers of the highly infectious amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the disease Chytridiomycosis. Bd fungus is a significant threat to most frog species and has been linked to massive die-offs and recent extinctions of native frogs around the world.
Frogs may also carry Salmonella, which if ingested can cause vomiting and diarrhea; these symptoms are usually mild in healthy adults but can be fatal to infants and young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. It is important to wash hands before and after handling an animal.
PetWatch Recommendation:
When purchasing a pet White’s Tree Frog, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received. The fungal disease Chytridiomycosis may be harmful to the health of your frog and native frogs. We recommend treating your frog for infection at the time of purchase using an over the counter antifungal. Learn more about the Terbinafine Hydrochloride Treatment for frogs. To learn more about Chytridiomycosis and the symptoms of infection, we recommend reviewing the information on Amphibian Ark.
