Why is the Bullfrog considered ‘Biological Pollution’? Rapid predation of native species

Why is the Bullfrog considered ‘Biological Pollution’?• Rapid predation of native species• High competition as riparian predator• Highly mobile conduit for fatal disease (Chytrid fungus)• Eradication/control very expensive, and inefficient

Biological PollutionBiological Pollution: :

American BullfrogAmerican Bullfrog•Native to Eastern US

•Largest frog in US

•Introduced to SW in early 1900’s as food source

•Voracious predators

•Ability to travel long distances

•High fecundity

•Highly adaptable

Solutions:Education/Prevention-increase awareness on issue, community outreachContainment–confine existing populations or individuals to current spaceEradication–destroy populations or individuals

Photos Courtesy of:http://i.pbase.com/u35/tmurray74/large/33517067.256_5624_RT16.jpghttp://frog-shots.com/images/bullfrog_eating_treefrog_2.jpghttp://www.fishpondinfo.com/photos/amphibians/bullfrogs/birdfrog2.jpghttp://pages.cthome.net/fwc/RCRANGE.GIFhttp://redbar.web.arizona.edu/logos/blocka.htmlhttp://www.cs.arizona.edu/~clayton/evap-web/figs/B2-UA-logo.gif

By: Alex Lichtblau, Josh Ruddick, Emily Kaleugher