Meet the new neighbors: What to know about the exotic tropical clawed frog in Florida

Rachael Thomas
Naples Daily News

Add frogs with claws to the list of usual animals you might find in Florida. Residents may soon be facing off with another invasive pest as the nonnative tropical clawed frog has been identified in the Tampa area.

The African amphibian threatens to unbalance the state's fragile aquatic ecosystems as the invasive frogs compete with native species for food and other resources.

“The Tropical clawed frog invasion represents yet another disturbance to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, particularly those in southern Florida, which are already vulnerable due to habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species and disease,” said Christina Romagosa, a University of Florida research associate professor of wildlife ecology and conservation.

Tropical clawed frog

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Here are few things to know about the tropical clawed frog:

The first clawed frogs were found in 2014

A Tampa resident found unusual frogs on her property in 2014. At the time, researchers believed the animals were African clawed frogs. But new research from the University of Florida shows the amphibian was instead the tropical clawed frog, also known as the western clawed frog.

This marks the first report of this species of frog outside its native range in West Africa. Experts aren't sure whether they will continue to spread into other parts of the state.

A tropical clawed frog has been identified in the Tampa area by University of Florida scientists. (Photo courtesy of Colin Goodman)

Scientists worry invasive frogs will outcompete native species

Tropical clawed frogs are voracious eaters, mostly snacking on insects. However, they will sometimes eat tadpoles and young frogs of other species. Scientists are concerned that, besides the direct threat of predation, the invasive frogs will outcompete native frogs for food and habitat resources.

Additionally, tropical clawed frogs can carry fungal and viral pathogens that are potentially dangerous to other frog species.

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Tropical clawed frogs are not dangerous to humans

While frogs with claws might be a worrisome idea, tropical clawed frogs are not a threat to Florida's human inhabitants. Unlike the toxic, invasive bufo toad, these nonnative frogs spend most of their time in the water and people rarely encounter them. They primarily use their claws to tear apart larger prey.

It's important to report exotic species if you find them

A tropical clawed frog has been identified in the Tampa area by University of Florida scientists. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Gage, Florida Museum of Natural History)

If you spot a clawed frog, or any animal that looks like it doesn't belong in Florida, it's important to report it. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tracks reports of invasive and nonnative species around the state. 

You can report an exotic animal sighting by calling the exotic species hotline at 888-Ive-Got1 (483-4681) or by visiting ivegot1.org. The FWC asks that residents report any sighting of a high-priority nonnative species, including all exotic frogs and snakes.