Why development may be helping the Cuban tree frog overrun Florida

By Kate Hussey
WPTV 5
August 2, 2024
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US East

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Cuban tree frog is an invasive species — they’re aggressive and they’re eating their way through Florida’s native wildlife. “Cuban tree frogs will compete with native tree frogs and in some cases, large Cuban tree frogs have been seen eating our native tree frogs,” said Dr. Zack Jud, a scientist with the Florida Oceanographic Society. …The pesky amphibians have been known to invade toilets, clog drains, and have even crawled into electric boxes—knocking out power for entire communities. …”They have a coating of slime that can cause an allergic reaction,” said Jeannine Tilford, of the Toad Buster. However, it’s not the frogs’ slimy casing that causes her clients to call – it’s their incessant, screeching croak that keeps her in business. …”Like many invasive species, Cuban tree frogs tend to do well in more developed, more disturbed areas,” said Jud.

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