Cuban Tree Frogs – Invasive Species in Florida
What Are the Most Invasive Species Living in Florida? Where do Cuban Tree Frogs live?
The Cuban tree frog is a large species of tree frog that is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands; but has become invasive in several other places around the Americas.
They have been observed to impact species of small birds in nest boxes by invading nest boxes and frightening them away. Cuban treefrogs’ irritating skin secretions can also impact humans and pets and they are known to cause economic impacts by causing short-circuits in transformer boxes and power outages.
Cuban Tree Frogs typically have a brownish green coloration. Sometimes the color morph can be lighter to the point that the skin is white. Most adults will have the brownish green coloration. Many even forming warts.
Cuban Treefrogs can enter homes in a variety of ways. They may jump through open doors or windows, be brought into a house inadvertently on an ornamental plant, or get into a home’s plumbing system through vent pipes on the roof.
Cuban treefrogs sleep during the day. In the wild, they will hide in tall pines, or in shorter trees and shrubs. In urban areas, they look for safety in tight, enclosed spaces, like the interiors of our homes where food is plentiful and places to reproduce are all around.
Cuban Tree Frogs – Invasive Species in Florida
Cuban tree frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are an invasive species in Florida. Native to Cuba and the Caribbean islands, these frogs are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever is available, including native species. They were first discovered in Florida in the late 1950s, likely having arrived as hitchhikers on cargo ships. Since then, they have spread throughout the state, being found in all 67 counties.
Cuban tree frogs are larger than most native frogs, growing up to five inches long. They have a distinct feature, an orange stripe running down the middle of their back, and are known for their loud, croaking call.
Cuban tree frogs can cause a number of problems for native species, including competing for food and habitat. They also have a tendency to eat native frogs, lizards, and even small birds. Additionally, they can spread pathogens, including the chytrid fungus, which can be fatal to native amphibians.
In order to help control the spread of Cuban tree frogs, it is important to remove any that you may find in your home or garden, and to practice responsible pet ownership if you own one. Additionally, it is important to make sure that any native species you purchase are captive bred, to reduce the chances of introducing an invasive species into your local environment.
