Effects of American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) acoustic invasions in native anuran communities

Abstract

Biological invasions by non native species contribute to biodiversity loss, as well as to changes in its dynamics, ecosystem degradation, ecosystem services loss, among others negative effects. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is a native species in the Eastern North America introduced for human consumption in more than 40 countries, including Brazil. Currently, it is considered one of the 100 world's worst invasive alien species. Despite its massive presence in Atlantic Forest and increasing spread in Brazil, little is known about the effects in native anuran communities. Researches suggest this specie is causing the decline of native amphibian populations throughout different settings: resource use competition, inducing changes in microhabitat use by native species and also capable of being vectors for lethal diseases to other anurans. Among the multiples ways to study biological invasion, the bioacoustics stand out because it eliminates the risks of alien invasive to escape and can be apply in natural settings. Therefore, this project aims to study biological invasion by L. catesbeianus under a bioacoustic approach, through acoustic responses of native communites anurans expose to a playback bullfrogs vocalization. The analysis will use different approaches, including community diversity, species-specific and soundscape.