No. G. — The Introduction of West Indian Anvra into Bermuda. 



Contributions from the Zoological Laboratory of the Museum of 



Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, No. 294. 

 Contributions fro.m the Bermuda Biological Station for Research, 



No. 63. 



By p. H. Pope. 



Both the situation and the pliysical characteristics of the Bermuda 

 Islands appear to he unt'avorahU' for supporting ainpliil)ian Hfe. The 

 situation, over 600 miles from the nearest land, has effectually pre- 

 vented any natural migration from North America or the West 

 Indies. Consequently there are no amphibians native to the place. 

 The physical character of the country seems to be fully as unfavorable 

 as its location. The porous limestone rock of which the islands are 

 composed allows the water to soak away through it, so that there are 

 no streams or springs, and even stagnant pools of fresh water are rare. 

 Since we think of amphibians as animals that pass through a tadpole 

 stage in water, this shortage of fresh water would seem to be quite 

 enough to prevent the increase of any amphibians that might be 

 introduced. 



These conditions would probably prevent the spread of any North 

 American frog or toad, but tiiere are three species which have been 

 brought in from South America and the West Indies, where they are 

 adapted to tropical conditions and consequently fitted to thrive in 

 Bermuda. 



The observations on which this paper is based were made during 

 two seasons spent at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research in 

 the summers of 1915 and 1916. I was in Bermuda from about the 

 middle of June to the first of August both years and, incidentally to 

 other work, had the opportunity to study and photograph the species 

 here described. 



A grant from the Humboldt Fund of the Museum of Comparative 

 Zoology, made this possible. I owe thanks to Dr. E. L. Mark, the 

 Director of the Station, and Dr. W. J. Crozier, the Resident Natura- 

 list, for many courtesies extended to me during my stay and for 

 valual)le information and advice. Also to IVIr. J. M. Godet of Paget 

 and Mr. N. E. Lusher of 'Grasmere' for specimens and information. 



