Normally Cayman’s frogs are quite inconspicuous, however, after Ian skirted Cayman earlier this week, the four-legged amphibians have been quite visible as the recent heavy rains have heralded the start of their mating season.
“They are mating and spawning now in response to the freshwater flooding from recent rains and Hurricane Ian,” the Department of Environment said in an emailed statement following queries from the Cayman Compass on the increased – and loud – presence of the frogs.
The DoE said, like most amphibians, Cayman’s Cuban Treefrog population responds to times of heavy rains, like those experienced recently from Hurricane Ian and the rains prior to that.
This, the DoE said, is “because the seasonally flooded areas provide habitat for their tadpoles to thrive and mature”.
“Frogs lay large clutches of eggs (100-1,000) so if you live near an area with ponds/ puddles/etc. where eggs are laid and happen across a time when they all change from tadpoles to frogs and leave their water body, it may seem like an large increase in numbers,” the DoE said.
The DoE added that the alien Eastern Narrowmouth Toads have also been heard calling from the Central Mangrove Wetlands, for the same reasons.
“Remember, large numbers of frogs around means natural insect control in addition to their grand seasonal chorus of chirps. They will quiet down in drier times so enjoy while you can,” the DoE said.
About the Cuban Treefrog
The Cuban Treefrog is native to Cayman, and the DoE, on its Reptiles and Amphibians info page, states it is commonly found throughout the Northern Caribbean region, including Cuba, most of the islands of The Bahamas and all three Cayman Islands.
“On Grand Cayman in particular, the Cuban Treefrog is widespread and often seen around fresh water bodies such as cisterns, water barrels and within close vicinity of buildings. After heavy rain showers the treefrogs often come out in large numbers where they can be heard calling in loud choruses. During late spring this behaviour is part of their mating ritual,” the DoE said.
The Cuban Treefrog is easily identified by a bright yellow colouration (resembling a highlighter pen), on the inside of their back legs.
Meanwhile, the DoE said the Eastern Narrowmouth Toad is commonly found in the southeastern United States; however, it was introduced to Grand Cayman – most likely through shipments of exotic plants – and is now breeding on the island.
“This secretive frog hides in burrows and crevices during the day and is primarily active at night. Its breeding pattern depends heavily on rainfall and occur from March – September. Each female can deposit as many as 850 eggs on freshwater surfaces and tadpoles are only around 25mm long. Adult Narrowmouth Toads feed primarily on ants and have been seen to live in association with fire ants,” it added.
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