Cuban Treefrog is where ?

Cuban Treefrog is where?

Common Facts • Scientific name Osteopilus septentrionalis • It is known to be the largest species of tree frog in North America • Native to Cuba and also in neighboring Caribbean islands • It, unfortunally, was introduced into central and southern portion of Florida. • It is also considered an invasive species

What does this species look like? • This species can range anywhere from 1.5 to 5.5 inches in length • There are three different colors of Cuban Tree Frog: • Gray • Light brown • To pale green • They can also change their color variation depending on their environment

Where are they originally found….? • It is native to Cuba and also the Isle of Youth (this is an island province of Cuba also known as Isle of Pines) • It could also be found in the Cayman Islands and also in the Bahamas

…. and Now where • It was introduced into the Florida Keys with the earliest confirmed records that date back to the 1920s • The very first Cuban tree frog introduced to the Sunshine State could have been stowaways which had hopped onto shipping crates originating from the Caribbean • By the mid-1970s, the treefrog had made its way throughout most of southern Florida • As of right now, studies have shown that there is an established breeding population as far north as Cedar Key on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, and then up to Gainesville in the north-central area of Florida. • Plus, there are even reports stating that it has reached the coastal shoreline of Georgia and South Carolina

Geographic distribution of the Cuban Treefrogs (by county) in Florida Credits: Monica McGarrity, University of Florida, 2007

Umm….Habitat Please • Cuban treefrogs favorite places to hang out are damp and shady areas amongst the trees and shrubs • They can also be found in and around the common household

What do these creatures eat? The Cuban tree frog eats a wide variety of items Here you can find them eating snailes, millipedes, spiders and other creatures Also, these treefrogs are predators to the native frogs that are found in Florida; they are cannibalistic

Does anything eat them by chance… • Yes….which is a good thing for native species in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina • Native snakes like rat snakes, Black Racers, Pygmy Rattlesnakes and Garter Snakes will all eat the Cuban treefrogs • Owls, crows, and wading birds have also been seen chowing down on the treefrogs

When do they have a bit of fun if you know what I mean They usually breed during the spring and summer months The reproduction of these treefrogs all depends on the rainfall especially during the thunderstorms…weird, right? The amount of eggs that are laid really depends on the size of the female Not very picky about where their breeding sites are, just away from the predators Mostsites include isolated wetlands, ditches, decorative ponds, and even swimming pools that are neglected.

So why are they a problem? • They are an invasive exotic species since these treefrogs are taking over the natural habitat • Worst of all, the treefrogs are becoming a big threat to the biodiversity within Florida’s native ecosystems and wildlife • Plus, Cuban treefrogs are causes some economic impacts as well

Do people keep them as pets……is that the problem? • Yes….people do keep the Cuban treefrogs as pets • Cuban treefrogs are very easy to take care of if you know how. Most pet stores do not explain in full detail what is needed to take care of them • Because of this, most of the treefrogs are released into the wild (It was already bad that they were brought over, but now this too) • Many do not realize that by releasing them that they are doing an illegal act because this species is already an invasive exotic species

What should be done if the Cuban treefrog becomes a pet? • Cuban treefrogs should be kept at about 82 to 85 degree during the daytime, though at night the temperature needs to drop to about 72 to 75 degrees. • Humidity should be set to about 60 percent • Within the terrarium, you should have plenty of large, well-established plants and other items on which the treefrogs could climb • Adult Cuban treefrogs need to be fed once every two to three days on either insects or pinkie mice. • It is also suggested that there are plenty of hiding places and that there is a shallow water area to soak in.

Firstly, they invade natural areas as well as neighborhoods Predators to the Sunshine State native treefrogs Known to also eat many other species of native wildlife Replaces many of the native treefrogs that can be found in area homeowners houses Studies show that the tadpoles are superior competitors Also inhibited both growth and development of tadpoles of both the southern toad and green treefrog Cuban treefrogs also compete for both shelter and food So….what is the ecological harm?

Are there problems in neighborhoods? • Yes…. Many • Cuban treefrogs love tight enclosed spaces which provide them with adequate breeding sites • They are also “sit-and-wait” predators, you can see them on walls or on windows waiting for anything to come by • Whenever these things feed the droppings get on just about everything

Also these treefrogs are easily startled and get inside the homeowners homes Florida’s native treefrogs are rarely seen inside homes They enter homes in various ways Open doors or windows Inadvertently be brought inside by traveling on an ornamental plant Or the plumbing systems by gaining access through vent pipes on the roof Cuban treefrogs are not as nearly as toxic as the cane toads, but they do have a sticky skin secretion that can be very irritating to mucous membranes of people It could get in the eyes and nose which become very itchy It is always a good idea to wash hands before handling anything afterward All pets should be kept away too

Economic Impacts • So far there does not look like there is any large-scale negative affects on the economy there. • However, they have been known to get into transformer boxes and electrical switches and can cause short-circuits • Whenever this happens it would then increase the maintenance costs for the electrical utility companies

So what are you going to do

Cuban Treefrog is where ?