Dominica's National Dish & Motto: Mountain Chicken & "Après Bondie C'est La Ter"

National Dish: **Mountain Chicken** —not a bird, but the **Giant Ditch Frog (*Leptodactylus fallax*)**, one of the world's largest frogs (up to 1 kg / 2.2 lbs). Endemic to Dominica and Montserrat. Traditionally stewed or curried with provisions (dasheen, yam, plantain), herbs, and pepper. **Critically endangered** (chytrid fungus, hunting, habitat loss, hurricane Maria 2017). Hunting banned since 2000s; conservation breeding programs underway.

National Motto: **"Après Bondie C'est La Ter"** —Kwéyòl (Creole) for **"Après Bon Dieu, C'est La Terre"** (French) → **"Next to God is the Earth"** (English).

Reflects the island's Catholic heritage (Bondié = Bon Dieu) and deep agrarian identity—land as sustenance, survival, and sacred trust. Adopted at independence (November 3, 1978).

Dominica: "Nature Isle of the Caribbean"—volcanic peaks, 365 rivers, boiling lake, sperm whales. The motto and the (former) dish both honor that land.