AR-News: (UK) Giant Bullfrogs Still Being Imported

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http://www.news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2069435

By Ian Marland, Scottish Press Association 


The destructive North American bullfrog may still be being illegally imported 
into Britain, experts warned today.

Evidence of the voracious species has come to light recently, according to 
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).

The creatures are thought to be imported into Europe under the name “giant 
frog larvae” and are sold at garden centres and on markets.

North American bullfrogs became popular in garden ponds during the 1980s 
because of their distinctive size and the fact that they are easy to keep as they 
eat virtually anything.

They can weigh up to 0.5kg and can grow as long as 20 centimetres, and have a 
voracious appetite.

Imports of the species were outlawed in 1997 across Europe because of the 
destruction they cause to wildlife.

But one of the bullfrogs was recently discovered at a home in the Scottish 
Borders by animal welfare officers.

SNH has raised the alert as part of a UK-wide Partnership for Action Against 
Wildlife crime (PAW) campaign.

It follows recent information from the European customs departments 
indicating the frogs continue to be smuggled in.

John Ralston, SNH licensing officer, said: “We really do need the help of the 
public, garden centres and pet shops to prevent this destructive species 
entering our country.

“This type of import is customer-driven and we can all do our part in 
protecting the environment and native species by not making a demand for such species.

“We know from other alien species imported in the past that it is only a 
matter of time before it ends up in the countryside, which is something we do not 
want.”

Mike Flynn, superintendent of operations support at animal welfare charity 
Scottish SPCA, said the animals tended to be kept in small tanks and the 
resultant smell forced owners to dump them.

“This has potentially devastating consequences for the countryside because 
they literally eat everything in their path.”

In North America, the adult frogs have been known to eat animals as large as 
young mink and ducklings.
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