Straits Times 24 Jul 10;
UNWELCOME visitors were found by the National Parks Board (NParks) survey on the Central Catchment and Bukit Timah nature reserves which could pose a threat to native wildlife.
Several American Bullfrogs, native to areas of North America, were found in the nature reserves.
'Most of the bullfrogs were quite young, so it seems that they are not breeding well here, probably because they are not used to a tropical climate.
'But it is quite alarming as they can hang on for a couple of days and they have been known to carry the chytrid fungus, which has been identified as a serious threat to amphibians around the world,' said survey leader Leong Tzi Ming.
It is thought that these frogs, which can grow up to 20cm, have been released by pet owners and animal lovers who wish to spare them from being eaten as this species is traditionally used for local cuisine.
Dr Leong urged people not to release these frogs into the wild as they could harm local species.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) discourages the release of non-native animals because of the potential negative impact it can have on the animal and on the environment.
Under the Animals and Birds Act, any owner who abandons an animal is deemed to have committed an act of cruelty which carries a fine of up to $10,000 and/or 12 months' jail.
Elsewhere, non-native species have caused havoc as they establish themselves in a new area and become invasive, harming local wildlife.
Perhaps the most famous example is the Cane Toad in Australia.
According to the Australian Museum, Sydney, 100 toads were brought into the country from Hawaii to eat beetle larvae which was destroying sugar cane crops.
In July 1935, after some swift breeding, more than 3,000 were released.
With few natural predators, it has grown in numbers and threatens local amphibians and bees which it eats, while snakes and pets are poisoned by glands on the toad when they try to eat it.
VICTORIA VAUGHAN
