Distribuição de Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) (Anura: ranidae) na América do Sul: uma revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

The introduction of exotic species is the second biggest cause of the loss of the biodiversity in the planet. This story is intertwined with the history of mankind, in which exotic species are those that occur outside their natural range. These species can threaten the natural ecosystems. Lithobates catesbeianus, american frog-bull, was introduced in Africa, Asia, South and Central America and in regions of the North America. Studies suggest that it may be related to the decline and extinction of amphibians. With this bibliographic research, aimed to find out the locations of occurrence of the species in South America. It was possible to observe that there are few articles published in most of the countries surveyed and this may be due to the lack of support for researchers in herpetological inventories or even refers to lack of records of invasion of the bullfrog in publications through scientific research papers database. It was noted that in Brazil it has been reducing number of publications be left L. catesbeianus, however there is great register of his distribution. It is believed that the main form of invasion of L. catesbeianus wraps the raniculture. From everything exposed one, there becomes necessary the creation of programs and public policies for control and erradicação of bullfrog.