PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
In Flanders, Belgium, prevention measures related to pathways of introduction of invasive alien species (IAS) are being identified and tackled, risk assessments are carried out, and early detection and rapid eradication is given attention. In the valley of the Grote Nete a metapopulation of American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, can be found in an area 152 000 ha. Several isolated populations are present in different localities in the Antwerp province. The technique for producing sterile triploid individuals of American bullfrog was elaborated in previous projects. In order for this method to be successful, 90% of the clutches should result in infertile pods. This goal has been achieved and sterile triploid males are sexually active and calling.
OBJECTIVES
- Establish a pilot case to reduce population size and halt further dispersion of the invasive American bullfrog by introducing sterile triploid individuals and population management of isolated populations with classical control methods;
- Transnational dissemination and training in American bullfrog management;
- Detect potential legal and policy barriers for the use of sterile triploids in population control of IAS and transfer of the technique to other invasive species; and
- Create widespread social support for controlling invasive alien species and the use of innovative methods.
In the long term, population decline by production of unfertilised larvae or clutches will cause less suffering for animals, as trapping and killing must be carried out to a much lesser extent. In order to further prevent reintroduction of the species, the public has to be informed and convinced of the importance of controlling populations of IAS. Dedicated actions will raise public awareness for the method, the goal and ethical aspects of this new technique.
RESULTS
Expected results :
- Correct knowledge on the current population density, dispersion and impact of the American bullfrog on the native community;
- Decrease in number of adults and larvae of American bullfrogs at project end (75%) and 3 years after project (90%);
- Production and introduction of tens of thousands of sterile larvae;
- Halt of further dispersion and protection of other entities in the Natura 2000 network;
- List of legal constraints and proposals to resolve these constraints;
- Model for management options using sterile triploids at different densities of bullfrog and adjusted management plan; and
- Provide relevant insights into the control and eradication of an important invasive alien species and hereby contribute to the EU Biodiversity Strategy, Target 5 identify, control and eradicate invasive alien species, as well as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species.
