Envi science

The government's approach for reducing mosquito populations was to release

bullfrogs in Quezon City.  However, the outcome might not lead to goodness, in
contrary, it may pose a threat to both animals and people. Invasive animals like this
bullfrog are ineffective in reducing mosquito populations because the consequences of
this activity may result in an ecosystem imbalance in that location. Bullfrog was named
one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world by the Global Invasive Species
Database in 2019. Cane toads also prey on and outcompete native amphibians and
reptiles for food and breeding places, causing local predators such as snakes and
lizards to become extinct. This animal generated Bufotoxin, a powerful poison, in its
skin, and all stages of its life are considered a threat to several beneficial animal and
insect species.

According to the Invasive Species Specialist Group it can cause disease and
death in domestic animals like dogs and cats that come into touch with it. Human
deaths have been reported as a result of ingesting the eggs or adults. In reality, yes,
some frogs and toads are natural mosquito predators. However, the fact that they do
not consume significantly enough to control mosquito populations is not a good idea to
risk the harm it can impose. According to a research, they devour far more beneficial
insects than pests in rice fields and their tadpoles feed mostly plant matter and only
infrequently prey on insect larvae (Shuman-Goodier et al., 2019), (Department of
Entomology, 2019).

According to R.A. 9147, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act
of 2001, a detailed investigation of the status, appropriateness, bioecology,
socioeconomic, and associated factors of the area where the invasive species would be
introduced is required to establish its environmental impact. In this way, the area will be
evaluated if it is okay to carry out such initiatives that can’t harm or cause danger to the
organisms living in it.

References:
Department of Entomology (2019) “Wisconsin Mosquitoes and Mosquito-borne diseases: Bats,
Birds, Turtles, Frog, Fish. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Accessed September 2, 2019.

Global Invasive Species Database (2019) Species profile: Rhinella marina. Downloaded from
http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=113 on 01-09-2019.

Invasive Species Specialist Group (2006) “Ecology of Bufo marinus”. Global Invasive Species
Database. Accessed September 2, 2019. Retrieved from
<www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=113&fr=1&sts=>.

Shuman-Goodier, M.E., M.I. Diaz, M.L. Almazan, G.R.. Singleton, B.A.R. Hadi, and C.R.
Propper (2019) Ecosystem hero and villain: Native frog consumes rice pests, while the invasive
cane toad feasts on beneficial arthropods. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 279: 100-
108

The Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines: Republic Act 9147
<https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/07/30/republic-act-no-9417/>