THE GUAM TOAD

The toad is a common sight on Guam.  But did you know it is a relatively new immigrant to the island?

It was introduced by the Naval government in 1937.  Apparently it was thought that the toad, venomous to many critters, would help eliminate slugs, centipedes and worms.

But it also helped reduce the iguana (hilitai) population, because the hilitai would bite toads or carry them in their mouth, exposing themselves therefore with its venom.

In Guam, Chamorros used the Spanish word råna for toad.

In Saipan, Chamorros used the Japanese word kaeru.