Everyone’s Least Favorite Frog: The Story of the Cuban Treefrog

Coming to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary from the Rocky Mountains, I had only ever seen a handful of frogs, many of which were pets. Thus, as I began to adventure out into the swamp I became increasingly intrigued by the number of amphibians and the variety of species that were present. From treefrogs to Pig Frogs, we saw and heard many of Florida’s beloved native frog species during our field days. On one day in particular I took a look inside of a well in a back-country and much to my delight it was filled with frogs! I was so happy I began to try to grab the cute little critters to get a better look. Unfortunately these frogs were not what I had been hoping for… I quickly learned that the large, brown frogs I had first been so enamored with were actually the loathed invasive Cuban Treefrog (Ostepilus spetentrionalis).

          Cuban Treefrogs as their name suggests are native to Cuba and the West Indies. These slimy little critters first came to Florida in the 1920s as stowaways on cargo ships, making their first appearance in the Florida Keys. However, by 1952 they were spotted throughout Miami. Some 60 years later and the Cuban Treefrog has proved its dominance in Florida as it has reached even isolated pockets in the Panhandle, and survived numerous freezing events. 

          So what effect has the broadening of the Cuban Treefrog’s range had on Florida’s native ecosystems? Well, being that the Cuban Treefrog is the largest species of treefrog in North America, it has the tendency to prey upon not only insects, but other native treefrogs such as the Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea). Eating native treefrogs is not the only issue posed by the Cuban Treefrog’s diet. Their mere consumption of insects also significantly limits resources for other native frog species making the Cuban Treefrog an all around menace to Florida’s native amphibian populations.

          But that’s not all! These sneaky little frogs have also found their way not into the hearts of local residents, but into their homes. Many Florida residents report finding Cuban Treefrogs inside of flower pots, sliding glass doors, and even in their toilets. Given their ability to hide in dark and small spaces they can be especially allusive to homeowners. However, if a Cuban Treefrog is found in your home you are advised to alert Southwest Florida’s regional invasive species managers via 1-888-IVE-GOT1  or online at IveGot1.org. Humane euthanization is also permitted through the application of benzocaine to the back of the frog, followed by freezing.

          Despite the havoc that the Cuban Treefrog has wreaked on the majority of Southern Florida, there is still much we can learn from these frogs and the effects that they are having on natural environments. Invasives are highly damaging to native ecosystems and species. Immediate identification and removal are the best ways to combat these deadly species, followed by consistent and strict management policies and practices. If the Cuban Treefrog could have been identified within the Florida Keys early on, its range could have been drastically limited and thousands of native species populations may have been preserved. Now, the Cuban Treefrog population is to a point where complete removal is not a feasible option, but that is not to say we cannot prevent the next large spread of invasive species within Florida.

           Now, as I return to that back-country well and see those slimy, brown Cuban Treefrogs I remember their story and the lessons they have taught Florida residents and wildlife managers alike about invasive species. I am not filled with a hatred for the species, but an understanding of how moving forward we must do better. So let’s all remember the story of the Cuban Treefrog and promise to always be cautious when transporting plants and animals from different regions and ecosystems, and never release domestic pets into the natural environment!

~ Evan, Conservation Intern