Eradication of the invasive Aquarana catesbeiana species in a protected area with social participation (Uruguay)

Abstract

To manage invasive alien species (IAS), it is necessary to know: the characteristics of the species (ecology, population dynamics); the invaded environment (bodies of water, land uses); the stage of the invasion process; the socio-ecological system (legal and cultural context); and the most effective techniques of prevention, control, eradication or mitigation that are ethically and socially accepted in order to involve key actors in their management. Between 2018-2024, a response protocol was applied based on the registration in 2018 of specimens of Aquarana catesbeiana (Shaw, 1802) (bullfrog) in seven artificial bodies of water located in four rural establishments in Canelones (Uruguay). The objective of this work was to implement a program to eradicate the bullfrog by testing different techniques and involving the actors to avoid conflicts. The 12-step conceptual framework was applied to involve stakeholders in the management of exotic species and based on social involvement, old
frog nests (2) and invaded puddles (4) were identified. In this work, six national, eight departmental and local actors were involved in the management. The invaded puddles (7) were isolated with a 1m high fence and the following techniques were evaluated together with the owners of the establishments (3): drying of permanent water bodies, nighttime capture, and various types of fishing gear and nets, both passive (traps) and active (trawling), as recommended in the published literature. Participation in dewatering –total water withdrawal– combined with nighttime capture and custom-made tubular pot nets led to the eradication of the bullfrog from the Santa Lucía wetlands protected area (Uruguay).