Six families of the order Anura (tailless amphibians) naturally occur in the Caribbean islands. These include the Bufonidae (typical toads, genus Bufo), Eleutherodactylidae (forest frogs, genus Eleutherodactylus), Hylidae (tree frogs, genera Hypsiboas and Osteopilus), Ranidae (bullfrogs, genus Lithobates), Dendrobatidae (poisonous frogs and relatives, genus Dendrobates), Leptodactylidae (crevice-dwelling frogs, genus Leptodactylus), and Strabomantidae (related to tropical forest frogs).

Haiti has 54 recorded amphibian species, 49 of which are threatened with extinction, representing the highest rate of disappearance in the world. Among Haiti’s 58 frog species, 30 are found nowhere else on Earth.

Note : Here we present some of Haiti’s endemic frogs. However, other endemic species can be found in Guadeloupe and Dominica, part of the Lesser Antilles, including the Martinique hylode (Eleutherodactylus martinicensis), described later.

In Guadeloupe, there are two endemic species on the island of Basse-Terre: the Pinchon hylode and the Barlagne hylode. These frogs feed on small insects, and their main predators are birds and centipedes. Unlike toads, females lay eggs directly on the ground, under stones or plants, sometimes even at the bottom of flowerpots. There is no tadpole stage; within two weeks, tiny frogs about 5 mm long hatch. They have food reserves to last about a week before they must start hunting.

Mozart frog (Eleutherodactylus amadeus)

Description :

The Mozart frog is very small (2.5 cm long). Its call, noted for its remarkable acoustic purity, gave it its name. It was unknown to science until 2006, when it was discovered by a research team led by Dr. Blair.

Habitat :

Distinguished by its striking sapphire-blue eyes, it also has large glands near its armpits, hence its name.

Endemic to the Massif de la Hotte, living only in dense montane forest near springs. It exists solely in Macaya National Park.

Spectacular, with large black eyes and bright orange spots on its thighs.

Endemic to Macaya National Park, in dense forest above 2,000 m altitude, near springs.

Endemic to the Massif de la Hotte; natural habitats are dense tropical forests.

Threats :

Critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Macaya burrowing frog (Eleutherodactylus parapelates)

Description :