Invasive amphibians in southern Africa : a review of invasion pathways
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
Background: Globally, invasive amphibians are known for their environmental and social
impacts that range from poisoning of local fauna and human populations to direct predation
on other amphibians. Although several countries on most continents have had multiple
introductions of many species, southern Africa appears to have escaped allochthonous
introductions. Instead, it has a small number of domestic exotic species that have rapidly
expanded their ranges and established invasive populations within South Africa.
Objectives & methods: We used the literature to provide a historical overview of dispersal by
some of the world’s major invasive amphibians, give examples of species that are commonly
moved as stowaways and discuss historical and current amphibian trade in the region. In
addition, we give an overview of new South African legislation and how this is applied to
amphibian invasions, as well as providing updates on the introduced populations of three
domestic exotics: Hyperolius marmoratus, Sclerophrys gutturalis and Xenopus laevis.
Results: We show that frogs are mainly moved around southern Africa through ‘jump’
dispersal, although there are a number of records of ‘cultivation’, ‘leading-edge’ and ‘extreme
long-distance’ dispersal types. Important pathways include trade in fruit and vegetables,
horticultural products and shipping containers.
Conclusion: We suggest that southern Africa is becoming more vulnerable to amphibian
invasions because of an increase in trade, agricultural and domestic impoundments as well
as global climate change. Increasing propagule pressure suggests that preventing new
introductions will become a key challenge for the future. Currently, trade in amphibians in the
region is practically non-existent, suggesting potential for best practice to prevent importation
of species with high invasion potential and to stop the spread of disease.
Description
CITATION: Measey, J., et al. 2017. Invasive amphibians in southern Africa : a review of invasion pathways. Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation, 47(2):a2117, doi:10.4102/abc.v47i2.2117.
The original publication is available at http://abcjournal.org
The original publication is available at http://abcjournal.org
Keywords
Amphibian populations, Amphibian trade, Anura
Citation
Measey, J., et al. 2017. Invasive amphibians in southern Africa : a review of invasion pathways. Bothalia - African Biodiversity and Conservation, 47(2):a2117, doi:10.4102/abc.v47i2.2117