Amphibians of Trinidad and Tobago: 10 Facts

Tobago glass frog. Photo by Renoir Auguste

The amphibians of Trinidad and Tobago all comprise Anurans, or frogs and toads. There are 35 recognized species (currently), and they are all diverse in size, colour, and distribution.

1. The largest amphibian in the country is the marine/cane toad (Rhinella marina), locally known as crapaud. This is the only poisonous frog found within the country.
2. The smallest frog in the country is the miniscule tree frog (Dendropsophus minusculus). This species is restricted to south west Trinidad.
3. The polka-dot tree frog (Boana punctata) glows in the dark under UV light.
4. The paradoxical frog (Pseudis paradoxa) has tadpoles that are twice as large as the adults, hence the common name paradox. The chemical properties in the skin of this frog has been used for treatments in human diseases; diabetes.

Paradoxical frog. Photo by Renoir Auguste

5. The Tobago glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium orientale tobagoense) is a subspecies specific to north east Tobago, and it got its common name from the fact that the skin on the belly is transparent, allowing an observer to see its internal organs!
6. The golden tree frog (Phytotriades auratus) is found only in tank bromliads across the highest peaks in Trinidad (and Venezuela). This species is considered critically endangered because of its restricted range, and vulnerability to threats such as climate change and habitat loss.
7. The Trinidad stream frog is endemic to Trinidad - found no where else in the world! In this species, the male protects the young tadpoles and even carries them on his back (see photograph below).

Trinidad stream frog. Photo by Renoir Auguste

8. The village of Charlotteville, in north east Tobago has a species of frog named after it - the Charlotteville litter frog (Pristimantis charlottevillensis).
9. There is currently one species of invasive/non-native species of frog in the country - the Johnstone litter frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei). Persons especially living in the north west would hear this frog calling in their garden. It is restricted to urban areas and currently does not pose any threats to the local endemics. However with increased urbanization and encroachment of forests, this may soon change.
10. Amphibians act as indicators to environmental change because of their sensitivity to microclimate. As such, the fewer frogs we are seeing and/or hearing in our country would mean that there is something drastically wrong with the environment. This not only has negative effects on local frog populations, but other wildlife and humans as well. A degrading environment is bad for all, and we should put more effort into protecting it, for us and for future generations to come.

To learn more about the amphibians of Trinidad and Tobago - get yourself a copy of the field guide to the amphibians and reptiles of T&T. A great resource for students, naturalists, and scientists. Contact the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists' Club for details.

Emerald eyed tree frog. Photo by Renoir Auguste.