Bullfrog alert!

For the first time on Saint-Barthélemy, the presence of cane toads has been observed and reported to the Agence territoriale de l'environnement (ATE). The specimen detected was a female weighing 600 grams. It was found in a garden in Saint-Jean. This animal has a formidable weapon: bufotoxin, which it secretes and projects in the event of a threat," warns the ATE. It is potentially fatal for many animals such as dogs, cats, birds and certain reptiles, and can also cause severe irritation in humans if it comes into contact with mucous membranes. Simple contact with the eyes can cause severe lesions, even leading to blindness. "For the Agency, this discovery is accompanied by a warning to the public. "Collective vigilance is essential to prevent this species from becoming established on the island, as is already the case elsewhere in the region", insists the ATE.
The origin of the animal has not yet been established. Nevertheless, the agency is betting on its arrival from Florida. Presumably after entering a container. The ATE points out: "The buffalo toad is a species native to Central and South America. It has been introduced to several Caribbean islands, including Guadeloupe, Dominica and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, this introduction turned into an invasion: the species spread rapidly and proved harmful to local biodiversity on numerous occasions. In 2023, two male buffalo toads (Rhinella marina) had already been intercepted dead on Saint-Barthélemy in plant containers from Florida. "
Buffalo toads can measure up to twenty centimetres and weigh over a kilo. A single female can lay up to 30,000 eggs at a time," says ATE, adding: "With no real natural enemies in the West Indies, the buffalo toad quickly colonizes environments and endangers local species, particularly reptiles. "
In the event of the discovery or sighting of a buffalo toad, the Agence territoriale de l'environnement invites you to report it and contact it directly via an emergency number (+590 0690 31 70 73). "Every sighting counts in protecting our biodiversity and preserving the fragile balance of our magnificent island", the Agency reminds us.