Climate Change and American Bullfrog Invasion: What Could We Expect in South America?
2011

Climate Change and American Bullfrog Invasion in South America

Sample size: 1641 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nori Javier, Urbina-Cardona J. Nicolás, Loyola Rafael D., Lescano Julián N., Leynaud Gerardo C.

Primary Institution: Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina

Hypothesis

How will climate change affect the distribution of the American Bullfrog in South America?

Conclusion

The study indicates that while the potential suitable area for bullfrog invasion may slightly decrease, protected areas will become more climatically suitable for invasion.

Supporting Evidence

  • The American Bullfrog is one of the hundred worst invasive species globally.
  • Climate change is expected to alter the distribution of invasive species.
  • Protected areas in South America may become more suitable for bullfrog invasion.
  • Future projections indicate a slight decrease in suitable areas for bullfrog invasion.
  • Management strategies are needed to control bullfrog populations in vulnerable regions.

Takeaway

The American Bullfrog is spreading in South America, and climate change might help it invade even more areas, especially in protected regions.

Methodology

The study used species distribution models to predict the potential distribution of the American Bullfrog under different climate scenarios for 2050 and 2080.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in model predictions due to reliance on historical data and assumptions about species' climatic requirements.

Limitations

The study may not account for all ecological factors influencing bullfrog distribution and relies on climate models that have inherent uncertainties.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025718

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