Population Dynamics of American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) and Implications for Control

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog) was introduced to South Korea and caused various damage in the Korean natural environment for the past 25 years. Although several management strategies were implemented, the effectiveness of past control decisions is largely unknown. We built a population dynamics model for L. catesbeianus in the Onseok reservoir, South Korea, in order to assist managerial decisions. Control scenarios with varying intensities were simulated to evaluate their effectiveness. The population of the American bullfrog in the reservoir was reduced to a manageable level under intensive control of the tadpole stage, using three sets of double fyke nets and 80% direct removal of juvenile and adult stages. According to our results, integrated, intensive, and continuous control is essential for managing the invasive American bullfrog population. ABSTRACT: Lithobates catesbeianus (American bullfrog), known to be one of the notorious invasive species, was introduced to South Korea and has proliferated in the Korean natural environment for the past 25 years. The ecological impact caused by the species is well known, and several management decisions have been implemented to cull its population. However, the effectiveness of past control decisions is largely unknown. We built a population dynamics model for L. catesbeianus in the Onseok reservoir, South Korea, using STELLA architect software. The population model was based on the demographics and ecological process of the species developing through several life stages, with respective parameters for survivorship and carrying capacity. Control scenarios with varying intensities were simulated to evaluate their effectiveness. The limitations of isolated control methods and the importance of integrated management are shown in our results. The population of the American bullfrog in the reservoir was reduced to a manageable level under intensive control of the tadpole stage, using three sets of double fyke nets and 80% direct removal of juvenile and adult stages. According to our results, integrated, intensive, and continuous control is essential for managing the invasive American bullfrog population. Finally, our modeling approach can assist in determining the control intensity to improve the efficiency of measures against L. catesbeianus.