Risk assessment for the native anurans from an alien invasive species, American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus), in South Korea

Abstract

The invasive species are of global concern, and the Invasive American Bullfrog (IAB; Lithobates catesbeianus) is one of the worst invasive amphibian species worldwide. Like other countries, South Korea is also facing challenges from IAB. Although many studies indicated impacts of IAB on native anurans in Korea, the actual risk at the specific level is yet to evaluate. Considering the putative invasiveness of IAB, it is hypothesized that any species with the possibility of physical contact or habitat sharing with them, will have a potential risk. Thus, we estimated and observed their home range, preferred habitats, morphology, behavior, and ecology. Then, comparing with existing knowledge, we assessed risks to the native anurans. We found a home range of 3474.2 ± 5872.5 m2 and identified three types of habitats for IAB. The analyses showed at least 84% of native anurans (frogs and toads) were at moderate to extreme risks, which included all frogs but only 33% of toads. Finally, we recommended immediate actions to conserve the native anurans based on our results. As this study is the first initiative to assess the specific risk level from the invasiveness of L. catesbeianus, it will help the managers to set conservation priorities and strategies.

Feeding Habits of Frogs in the Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori Prefecture, Western Japan

“…We also observed predation of native anurans by L. catesbeianus in the Tottori Sand Dunes. Lithobates catesbeianus invasions are a threat to the survival of native anuran communities and populations (Li et al, 2011; Park et al, 2022). A breeding population of L. catesbeianus might not yet exist at our sampling site given that no eggs, tadpoles, or froglets of this species have been detected.…”

Assessment of American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) spreading in the Republic of Korea using rule learning of elementary cellular automata

“…In Korea at least 84% of native anurans (frogs and toads) were at moderate to extreme risks, which included all frogs but only 33% of toads. to set conservation priorities and strategies 15 . It is important to assess the extent of the spread of invasive species by integrating biotic and abiotic data collected at different spatial scales to assess where invasive species monitoring and management efforts should be focused focused 16 .…”

Confirmation of the local establishment of alien invasive turtle, Pseudemys peninsularis, in South Korea, using eggshell DNA

“…For instance, Brazil, Chile, Indonesia, and Isarel do not prohibit the import of fish and other aquatic species [ 4 ]. However, the countries like South Korea, which are already well-known as pet trade epicenters, are also at high risk of getting invasive species into their nature despite having many strict laws [ 5 ]. To date, species from Testudines are the most frequently wild recorded alien species among 677 reported herpetofauna (110 are turtles) from pet shops in Korea [ 6 ].…”