Volunteers remove invasive bullfrogs in central Taiwan

志工清除台中外來牛蛙

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Volunteer teams in Nantou County have been mobilized to remove an invasive bullfrog species whose rapid reproduction and late-night mating calls can be as loud as a ringing telephone.

The county’s Department of Agriculture said the banded bullfrog, also known as the Asian painted frog (Kaloula pulchra), is a nocturnal amphibian first recorded near Fengshan Reservoir in Kaohsiung in 1997. It has since spread to Tainan, Pingtung, and most recently, Nantou, per the Liberty Times.

By day, the frogs hide in self-dug burrows or tree bark crevices. During rainy weather, they emit deep, resonant croaks that can reach 70 decibels, sometimes continuing through the night and disturbing nearby residents.

The DOA said it has received increasing reports in recent years from both sleepless residents and those concerned about ecological impacts. To curb the spread, removal teams have been deployed, starting with volunteers in the Dapi Community.

The teams also target other invasive species such as spot-legged tree frogs and cane toads. Three experts from the Society for Taiwan Amphibian Conservation recently trained a removal team on invasive species identification and ecological impact.

Experts caution that the banded bullfrog resembles the native ornate chorus frog. However, the invasive species can grow up to eight centimeters, has vase-shaped markings on its back, and features toe suction cups for climbing. The smaller native ornate chorus frog lacks suction cups.

The public is asked to photograph suspected invasive frogs and call the county’s 1999 public service hotline to request removal.