The Establishment of the North American Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) in Jamaica

The presence of the newly introduced Rana catesbiana in Jamaica is recorded for the first time. Its feeding habits are comparable to those of R. catesbeiana in North America. The bullfrogs were found to be inhabiting a large area of swamp and to have begun to colonize a similar neighboring area. No topographical or environmental features which could limit these animals are apparent and it is predicted that their spread will become islandwide. Most of the land below the 100ft contour is around sea level and can be classified as herbaceous swamp (Asprey and Robbins, 1953) with a network of rivers meandering through it. The purpose of the introduction was to populate the area with a commercially valuable animal. In 1969 reports of isolated sightings and bellowing of the frogs during and after heavy rains in May made it evident that they had established themselves. Subsequent reports indicated that fishermen were catching some of the frogs in their traps and were showing concern that the frogs were destroying the shrimp upon which their livelihood depended. Concern over the matter prompted this study, the purpose of which was to determine: a) The feeding habits of the frog in its new environment. b) The extent to which the animals have spread.