The American bullfrog, Lithobates catesbeianus, was introduced in Brazil for human consumption and is considered to be one of the principal threats to native amphibian species. The bullfrog invasion of the Atlantic Forest biome is especially worrisome, because it is one of the world’s richest in amphibian species and has already been reduced to only 7% of its natural area. Scattered records indicate that the bullfrog is broadly distributed in diverse habitats, but a systematic evaluation has not been carried out. We will identify habitat characteristics that favour bullfrog occupation at fine spatial scale and the invertebrate and vertebrate species and/or species groups that are most affected by the invasion process.

Understanding these aspects of the bullfrog invasion in Brazil is an essential first step to assess the actual threat, inform policy, and develop a management plan.

The study will take place in three study areas, in three different regions of Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil: central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, west and east of Santa Catarina State. Sampling efforts would be made throughout 2010 year in spring and summer seasons.