Distribution
The Cuban tree frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. This large frog has been introduced in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, many islands of the Lesser Antilles, and Hawaii. There is debate over if the species was native to the Key West region of Florida, or if it was introduced to the area. First discovered in the 1930s, it is theorized that they might arrived on ships in the 1800s or could have made it to the area by natural means. They can survive in brackish water and this ability may have helped the species to spread to various islands. The Cuban tree frogs progressed colonization into the mainland of Florida is believed to be by use of Florida State Road A1A construction during the 1940s. The species is now established in southern Florida and parts of the panhandle region and can be found as far north as South Carolina.
The Cuban tree frog is known to hitchhike on shipments of potted plants, vegetation, packaging, boats, and other motorized vehicles. Once in a new location the frogs become an invasive species. They have several good colonizing traits, such as: high fecundity, short generation time, a diverse diet, good competitive ability, and the ability to co-exist with humans. In addition they also secrete a toxic mucus from their skin which helps to limit the number of natural predators.
Cuban tree frogs are known to inhabit a variety of communities, including estuaries, low-density suburban development, small towns, agricultural areas, particularly ones with exotic plants, and lowland forests and swamps. Within their habitat they can be found in damp, shady areas, particularly around shrubs and trees, by cisterns, rain barrels, and buildings.
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