Ecological impacts of invading species: Do parasites of the cane toad imperil Australian frogs?

摘要: Parasite transfer to native fauna is a potentially catastrophic impact of invasive species. Introduced cane toads in Australia frequently host the nematode lungworm Rhabdias pseudosphaerocephala, which reduces viability metamorph toads. If frogs are vulnerable this South American parasite, toad invasion may affect species via route; but if taxa not vulnerable, we be able exploit parasites for managing Our laboratory experiments show that infective larvae can penetrate body all seven Australian (five hylids: Cyclorana longipes, Litoria caerulea, dahlii, nasuta, rothii, one myobatrachid:Opisthodon ornatus, and limnodynastid:Limnodynastes convexiusculus) tested, most did adult worms at end trials, none showed major impairment growth, survival or locomotor performance. One tree-frog (L.caerulea) retained high infection levels with few ill effects, suggesting might use taxon as reservoir build up local parasite densities management. However, interspecific variation retention suggests generalizations about effects on will elusive.