Life
JAM | Feb 4, 2025

Public urged to monitor invasive Cuban Tree Frog

ABIGAIL BARRETT

ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today

author
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Cuban Tree Frog (Photo: contributed)

The Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) has been identified in Jamaica, raising ecological and economic concerns. Initially discovered in Clarendon, the invasive species has now spread to eight of the island’s 14 parishes.

Experts from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (CCAM) are working to control its impact and educate the public on effective management strategies.

Identification and Spread

Environmental Officer in the Ecosystems Management Branch, Fauna Unit, at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Leighton Mamdeen. (Photo: contributed)

Leighton Mamdeen, Environmental Officer in NEPA’s Fauna Unit, explains that the Cuban Tree Frog likely entered the country through shipping containers, using its ability to squeeze into tight spaces to travel undetected. This has enabled rapid population growth across the island.

Identifying the species can be difficult, as it resembles native frogs like the Laughing Frog and the Snoring Frog. However, key distinguishing features include its size—growing up to three inches long—along with long legs, large toe pads, warts on its back, and a wide range of colours, including white, green, brown, and orange.

Due to the risk of misidentification, the public is encouraged to seek expert guidance before taking action against any frog species.

Cuban Tree Frog (Photo: contributed)

Ecological and Agricultural Impact

The Cuban Tree Frog poses a serious threat to Jamaica’s ecosystem by preying on native species such as other frogs, lizards, birds, and small snakes. Without natural predators on the island, their growing numbers disrupt the natural food chain. Additionally, their toxic mucus deters predators, further ensuring their survival.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential decline of Jamaica’s 21 native frog species due to displacement. While no evidence of crossbreeding with native species has been found, ongoing research and monitoring aim to prevent hybridisation.

Beyond ecological threats, the species also affects human activity. Their toxic skin secretions can cause irritation, and their presence in homes and public spaces often leads to panic. A growing concern for the agricultural sector is their impact on beekeeping, as they have been observed preying on bees, endangering pollination and crop production.

Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (CCAM) Assistant Science Officer, Alex Simpson (standing) and Conservation Officer, Fabian Lindo, conduct their bi-weekly monitoring and removal of Cuban Tree Frogs caught using a specially designed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe trap. (Photo: contributed)

NEPA and CCAM are collaborating with farmers to mitigate these effects.

Control Measures and Public Involvement

Authorities have adopted a two-pronged approach—education and eradication—to manage the Cuban Tree Frog population.

Environmental Officer in the Ecosystems Management Branch, Fauna Unit at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Damany Calder. (Photo: contributed)

Environmental Officer Damany Calder highlights NEPA’s public awareness efforts, including community meetings and presentations to educate citizens about the species, its impact, and ways to limit its spread.

Eradication efforts involve deploying passive traps made from PVC pipes in areas with significant Cuban Tree Frog populations. Trapped frogs are then humanely euthanised to control their numbers.

Citizens are urged to help by reducing breeding sites, as the species lays up to 100 eggs at a time in standing water. Removing stagnant water sources, similar to mosquito control efforts, is recommended.

Additionally, the public is advised against using chemicals such as bleach or hot water, which pose risks to humans and the environment. Instead, NEPA recommends humane elimination methods, such as striking the frog on the back of its head with a blunt or sharp object.

Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting

With the Cuban Tree Frog population expanding rapidly, monitoring efforts remain a priority. CCAM’s Assistant Science Officer, Alex Simpson, notes that under the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, the organisation has deployed PVC traps in communities such as Hellshire, Longville Park, Mitchell Town, and Portland Cottage to track their movement. Special attention is being paid to protected areas like the Portland Bight, where endangered species such as the Portland Ridge Cave Frog reside.

Jamaicans are encouraged to report sightings to NEPA via phone at (876) 754-7540 or through social media at @nepajamaica and @ccam_foundation. Submitting photos and locations of suspected Cuban Tree Frogs will aid tracking efforts and support management initiatives.

Public cooperation is essential in mitigating the environmental, agricultural, and social impact of this invasive species.

Comments

What To Read Next