2026/06/02 by Seung-Min Park, Kyoung-Hee Park, Seung‐Ju Cheon +3 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior #Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
paper · doi:10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e182878
openalex publication_date 2026/06/02 · openalex created_date 2026/06/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
The American bullfrog ( Aquarana catesbeiana ) is widely recognized as an invasive species with various harmful ecological impacts. Comprehensive population-specific information is required to develop effective management strategies to mitigate these impacts. However, studies examining the age structure and growth of this species, particularly within South Korean populations, are scarce. To address this gap, this study aimed to estimate the age structure and growth curve of A. catesbeiana populations in South Korea. A total of 49 individuals were collected from 10 sites in southwestern South Korea between 2019 and 2023. Age was estimated using skeletochronology, and lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were identified in bone cross-sections. Individuals were classified as males, females, or juveniles, with estimated age ranges of 1–5 years for males, 0–4 years for females, and 0–2 years for juveniles. No significant differences in age or snout–vent length were detected between sexes, whereas significant differences were observed between adults and juveniles. Because of the limited sample size, growth curves were estimated using male individuals only. The results revealed rapid growth up to 2 years of age, followed by deceleration in growth rate thereafter. Comparisons with native amphibians in South Korea indicated that the asymptotic size of A. catesbeiana is substantially larger, suggesting a high potential for ecological impacts on native amphibian communities. These findings provide population-specific information that can improve ecological risk assessment and support management efforts for A. catesbeiana under South Korean environmental conditions.