The islands of Guadeloupe host six species of frogs, including four hylodes:

• Pinchon’s Hylode and Barlagne’s Hylode, endemic to Basse-Terre,
• Martinique Hylode, endemic to the Lesser Antilles,
• Johnstone’s Hylode, an invasive species in the region.

The remaining species are invasive and belong to the tree frog family:

• X-Sign Tree Frog, introduced to Grande-Terre,
• Cuban Tree Frog, introduced to Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.

Note: Here we present one species endemic to the Lesser Antilles and one endemic to Guadeloupe. Haiti, however, has an impressive number of amphibians: 58 frog species, of which 30 are endemic. Three of these are presented in the “Endemic Frogs of Haiti” fact sheet.

Pinchon’s Hylode (Eleutherodactylus pinchoni)

Description :

This protected and endangered species is the smallest hylode in the Guadeloupe archipelago (2.2–3.2 cm). It is dark brown with orange markings. It feeds on insects and can live up to 7 years. Males participate with other hylodes in evening calls, which serve either to attract females for reproduction or to mark their territory.

Habitat :

Found only on Basse-Terre, from sea level up to 1,250 meters, Pinchon’s Hylode inhabits mesophilic and hygrophilic forests, preferring cool and humid environments.

Threats :

Human pollution, climate change, deforestation, and destruction of natural habitats—including air, water, and soil pollution—are significant threats.

Invasive species are also a concern: the X-Sign Tree Frog (5.5 cm, native to Guyana) and the Cuban Tree Frog (11.5 cm, native to Florida, in northern islands like Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy). These expanding species compete with hylodes for habitat and food, may prey on them, and can transmit deadly skin fungi.

Pinchon’s Hylode is globally unique, contributing to biodiversity, insect population control, and serving as a bioindicator of environmental quality.

Martinique Hylode / Whistling Frog (Eleutherodactylus martinicensis)

Description :

Discovered in Martinique, this large hylode has a wide head and long legs with large toe discs, allowing it to climb and cling to vertical surfaces. Its back color ranges from dark yellow to orangish-brown, gray, or dark brown. Males reach 32.5 mm, and females up to 47 mm.

This nocturnal frog is known for its whistling, which can serve as a male mating call or a territorial defense song. Males may call throughout the night.

Habitat :

Endemic to the Lesser Antilles, it favors humid, wooded environments but can also adapt to drier areas. It is found widely, from mountain forests to even bathrooms in human dwellings.

Threats :

The Martinique Hylode faces habitat destruction and competition from invasive species, similar to Pinchon’s Hylode.