Date:
June 4, 2020
Source:
University of South Australia
Indiscriminate
feeding by an alien population of the carnivorous spotted-thighed frog -- could
severely affect the native biodiversity of southern Australia according to a
new study by the University of South Australia.
The
invasive amphibian -- Litoria cyclorhyncha -- which has hitchhiked
across the Nullarbor from Western Australia -- has now established a community
of 1000-plus in Streaky Bay, South Australia, with sightings also confirmed on
the Eyre Peninsula and at the Adelaide airport.
This is
the first study of the spotted-thighed frog's diet in its invaded range with
the findings providing important biological information about the impact of the
alien species on natural ecosystems.
Ecology
experts, UniSA's Associate Professor Gunnar Keppel and Christine Taylor, say
the potential of the spotted-thighed frog spreading to other parts of Australia
is very concerning given its destructive eating patterns.
"This
frog is an indiscriminate eating machine that will devour just about anything
it can fit into its mouth," Taylor says.
"We're
talking about a relatively large, predatory tree frog that, as a species is
alien to South Australia, and it could have devastating impact on invaded
habitats.
"As
it eats away at local species, it's impacting the natural ecosystem, which can
displace or destroy local food webs, outcompete native birds, reptiles and
mammals for resources, and potentially change natural biodiversity."
Biodiversity
is the theme of this year's United Nations World Environment Day.
Posts
