SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The results of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s first frog call survey of 2024 that took place during a heavy rainstorm on June 3 were encouraging in terms of species that have bounced back since Hurricane Ian, except for the pig frog that was not heard.

The SCCF reported that wildlife biologist Mike Mills and intern Nadine Cobb headed out after sunset to visit monitoring stations throughout the island, where they were met with music to their ears.

“After a very dry and hot late dry season in April and May, many wildlife species, particularly frogs, reacted explosively to the heavy downpour,” Mills said. “Sanibel erupted with the sounds of calling frogs, as puddles and other temporary wetlands filled with water.”

Frogs and toads were seen crossing roads throughout the survey with the rainfall, which does lead to widespread road casualties from traffic. Amphibians, such as frogs, salamanders, caecilians (limbless worm-shaped amphibians), are good indicators of environmental health due to their porous skin that absorbs moisture from the environment.

“Frog surveys are important because they can alert us to new issues with contaminants and/or toxins in wetlands due to the loss of frog diversity and quantity, particularly of certain sensitive species,” he said.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

The calls of several summer breeders could be heard throughout the island, such as the eastern narrow-mouthed toad, green tree frog and exotic Cuban tree frogs. Even the rare squirrel tree frog was heard at one site. Two species, the native southern toad and exotic cane toad, were heard, as well as a winter breeder, the southern leopard frog. The small exotic greenhouse frog was heard throughout the island.

“Frog species will call out of season from time to time with extreme weather conditions such as a large rain after a long period of drought, or unseasonably hot weather during the winter,” Mills said.

The pig frog, which was the species of most concern on the island after Ian, was not heard during the surveys.

“It took approximately a year to document their continued presence on the island. These were finally recorded on the far west end of the island,” he said. “However, as the summer rains increase with frequency, we expect that we will hear the familiar call of the pig frog again.”

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION The rare squirrel tree frog, pictured here breeding, was heard at one site.