State-of-the-art approach on the management of invasive faunistic aquatic alien species: The American bullfrog in Belgium

Abstract

Invasive alien species are worldwide one of the main reasons for the decline of species in native communities and hence biodiversity. Control or eradication programs are often fragmented leading to cost-inefficient and inadequate results. This paper addresses a state-of-the-art framework of an integrated management approach based on the case study on the control of the American bullfrog in the Flemish region in Belgium. This approach is based on the close cooperation of scientists, policymakers, field managers and conservationists to create a science-based policy in the management of invasive alien species. Innovative applied research poses an important foundation in the steering process to establish efficient control measures. These are integrated in the management process that is coincided with raising awareness and dissemination of information throughout the whole plan. The results are based on 10 years of experience and cooperation in the management of the American bullfrog in Flanders, Belgium. The several stages of which this framework is built are crucial in the strategy to tackle the invasion in the most integrated way and can be transposed to control other invasive aquatic alien animals.