Editing Cuban tree frog (section)

== Distribution ==
[[File:Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) 6.jpg|thumb|On [[Grand Cayman]]]]The Cuban tree frog is native to [[Cuba]], the [[Bahamas]], and the [[Cayman Islands]]. This large frog has been introduced in [[Puerto Rico]], the [[US Virgin Islands]], and the [[British Virgin Islands]].<ref name="Louisiana">{{Cite news|url=http://www.wbrz.com/news/study-invasive-fist-sized-treefrogs-in-new-orleans|access-date=2018-05-01|publisher=[[WBRZ]]|title=Study: Invasive fist-sized treefrogs in New Orleans|date=2018-05-01}}</ref> Whether the species was native to the [[Key West]] region of [[Florida]] is debated,<ref name="declines">{{cite book |last=Lannoo|first=Michael J.|title=Amphibian declines: the conservation status of United States species|year=2005|publisher=University of California Press|location=Berkeley and Los Angeles, California|isbn=0-520-23592-4|pages=463–465}}</ref> or if it was introduced to the area. First discovered in the 1930s, these frogs arrived via cargo ships in the 1800s.<ref name=orchids/> They can survive in [[brackish water]], which may have helped the species to spread to various islands.<ref name=cayman/> The Cuban tree frogs' progressive colonization into the mainland of Florida is believed to be abetted by use of [[Florida State Road A1A|State Road A1A]] construction during the 1940s.<ref name="global">{{cite book |last1=Collins|first1=James P.|last2=Crump|first2=Martha L.|title=Extinction in our times: global amphibian decline|year=2009|publisher=Oxford University Press, Inc.|location=New York, New York|isbn=978-0-19-531694-0|pages=61–62}}</ref> The species is now established in southern Florida and parts of the [[Florida Panhandle|panhandle region]], and can be found as far north as [[South Carolina]].<ref name=north/>

The Cuban tree frog is known to hitchhike on shipments of potted plants,<ref name="Georgia">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cuban-tree-frog-found-in-georgia/|access-date=2010-10-22|work=[[CBS News]]|title=Cuban Tree Frog Found In Georgia|date=2004-10-21}}</ref> vegetation, packaging,<ref name=global/> boats, and other motorized vehicles.<ref name=north/> Once in a new location, the frogs become an [[invasive species]]. In [[Puerto Rico]], they have become a predator of the [[common coquí]] (''Eleutherodactylus coqui'').<ref>[http://www.primerahora.com/noticias/puerto-rico/nota/ranadepredadoradelcoquicampeaporsurespetoenpuertorico-1048430/ Rana depredadora del coquí campea por su respeto en Puerto Rico(in Spanish)]</ref> They have several good colonizing traits, such as high [[fecundity]], short generation time, a diverse diet, good competitive ability, and the ability to coexist with humans.<ref name=global/> In addition, they also secrete a toxic mucus from their skin which helps to limit the number of natural predators.<ref name=ft/>

Cuban tree frogs are known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including [[Estuary|estuaries]], low-density suburban development, small towns, agricultural areas, particularly ones with [[exotic plant]]s, and lowland forests and swamps.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_CubanTreefrog.htm|access-date=2010-11-28|publisher=Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission|title=Cuban Treefrog - Osteopilus septentrionalis}}</ref> Within their habitats, they can be found in damp, shady areas, particularly around shrubs and trees,<ref name=handbook/> by [[cisterns]], rain barrels,<ref name=cayman/> and buildings. They like to be near medium and large sized trees and prefer conditions where the temperature remains above 10 degrees Celsius.<ref name=":1" />