This species, which is known to hitchhike in potted plants, soil and other agricultural materials, could displace native species.
The greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris), a species native to the Caribbean has been found in the Marshall Islands by University of Texas at Arlington biologists. This species, which is known to hitchhike in potted plants, soil and other agricultural materials, could displace native species. In addition to the greenhouse frog, the researchers noted that the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) has become well established on Laura Island, the main island in the Marshall Islands chain. The researchers suspect that the emerald tree skink has been displaced by the green anole, a species native to the southern United States, but has become established in Hawaii.
“The lack of skinks suggests that imported anoles may be outcompeting native species, which could have ripple effects on the islands’ ecosystems,” UTA Biology Professor Matthew Fujita said in a statement released by the university. “Although these frogs and lizards may seem harmless, they can cause major ecological disruptions by displacing native species, altering food webs and potentially spreading diseases—to both animals and humans.” The researchers speculate the green anole came to the Marshall Islands via Hawaii.
University of Texas at Arlington researchers believe the green anole has displaced the emerald tree skink. Photo by University of Texas at Arlington
The biologists at the University of Texas at Arlington are working with local officials on biosecurity initiatives, in an effort to identify and detect invasive species earlier to help control or eliminate the spread of invasive species in the islands.
The greenhouse frog is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. A species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae, the greenhouse frog has been introduced to Florida, Hawaii, Guam, Hong Kong, Shenzen, and now the Marshall Islands.
Green anoles are native to the Southeastern United States and are found in abundance in Florida and much of the south. They are an introduced species in much of the world, including, Hawaii, the Ogasawara Islands in Japan and have also become established in San Diego, CA and the Marshall Islands.
