AMPHIBIA

No native amphibians are known from Hawai‘i, no doubt because these vertebrates are strictly terrestrial and freshwater inhabitants and the Islands are isolated by the vast Pacific Ocean from continental environments where amphibians are native. At least 16 species of frogs and toads have been introduced (McKeown, 1996; USGS-NAS, undated) and become established on one or more of the Hawaiian Islands. Although these species may be observed around streams and ponds, strictly speaking only four of these species breed in these habitats and only two or three regularly inhabit them as adults. Upon hatching from a soft egg laid in water or other moist environment, both toads and frogs reside in water as tadpoles, breathing with gills, eventually growing to metamorphose into juveniles looking like small versions of the adult. This key attempts to cover eggs, tadpoles, and adults. In the key, size of adult is given in centimeters and inches as the snout to vent length (body length). Tadpoles with developed hind legs have probably reached maximum size and will decrease somewhat in length as the tail is resorbed.

An excellent resource website for amphibians found in the Hawaiian Islands is that of the U.S.G.S. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species program. Available information includes collection records, distribution maps, and photographs for each species (all amphibians in Hawai‘i are nonindigenous).

Amphibians
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