Dogs Trained to Counteract Oxfrog: Insights into Utilizing Canines for Detection and Recovery
In the north of Karlsruhe, a battle is underway against an unwelcome invader – the American bullfrog. Specifically, at the Baggersee Streitköpfle in Linkenheim-Hochstetten, this amphibian poses a significant threat to local ecosystems.
The Karlsruhe Government Presidency, legally obligated to combat invasive species, has been fighting the bullfrog since 2016. With annual funding of around 100,000 euros from the state, efforts to control the population have been ongoing.
One innovative strategy involves fitting some bullfrogs with small radio transmitters. This allows researchers to track their movements and habitats in real time, improving understanding of their range and behavior to target removal efforts more effectively.
Another approach employs specially trained dogs to locate bullfrogs by scent. These dogs can find frogs that are hidden in dense vegetation or hard-to-access areas, making it easier to pinpoint and capture the invasive individuals.
In some cases, small-caliber firearms are used to humanely cull the bullfrogs, particularly those that are difficult to catch or remove by conventional means. This method aims to reduce the population quickly and prevent further spread.
On summer evenings, volunteer sport divers equipped with nets collect bullfrog tadpoles from the dark lake. An average of around 4,500 tadpoles have been removed each year since 2020.
Bullfrogs will soon be equipped with transmitters for tracking and interception in the water. Officials are now hoping for new impulses and insights from the tracking of cane toads.
The area around the Baggersee Streitköpfle is considered a hotspot for amphibian reproduction. Despite these efforts, the bullfrog population north of Karlsruhe is considered stable, although no specific numbers on its size are available.
A research project running until 2026 aims to provide new insights on bullfrog behavior and migration patterns. Andre Baumann, State Secretary in the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Environment, participated in the effort as part of his summer tour.
However, not everyone is convinced of the effectiveness of these measures. Udo Metz, a water warden for the local angling club, criticizes the methods used, stating that hunting and removing amphibians may not be sufficient to control the bullfrog population.
The bullfrog poses a threat to native species and outcompetes them. Combating invasive species, including the bullfrog, is a top priority for the state of Baden-Württemberg. The bullfrog feeds on fish, birds, and reptiles due to its size, according to Andre Baumann.
From autumn onwards, specially trained detection dogs will be deployed to find bullfrogs on land or at the water's edge. The hope is that these new strategies will lead to a significant reduction in the bullfrog population and protect the native species of the Baggersee Streitköpfle.
Read also:
- "Germany appears less environmentally friendly compared to Texas, according to Harald Lesch's climate documentary"
- Food Prices Increasing Due to Impact of Climate Change
- World's primary energy source expected to shift towards renewables by the year 2026, according to the International Energy Agency.
- Procedure initiated for contract granting by the Commission.
