<Emphasis Type="Italic">Xenopus laevis</Emphasis> (Daudin, 1802), a new exotic amphibian in Portugal |
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Authors: | Rui Rebelo Patrícia Amaral Marta Bernardes João Oliveira Paulo Pinheiro Domingos Leitão |
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Institution: | 1.Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa,CBA, Centro de Biologia Ambiental,Lisbon,Portugal;2.CITAB, Centro de Investiga??o e de Tecnologias Agro-Ambientais e Biológicas,Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro,Vila Real,Portugal;3.CEF, Centro de Estudos Florestais,Instituto Superior de Agronomia,Lisbon,Portugal;4.Departamento de Ambiente e Equipamento,Camara Municipal de Oeiras,Oeiras,Portugal |
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Abstract: | The African clawed frog Xenopus laevis has been introduced at several locations, including Mediterranean climate-type regions. In 2006, several individuals of this
species were found inhabiting a stream at Oeiras, about 20 km W of Lisbon, Portugal. Although the place and time of introduction
are not clearly identified, there are reasons to believe that this population may be the result of an almost 30-year-old introduction
proceeding from research laboratories located nearby. Field surveys were conducted in 2007 and 2008 on the distribution and
abundance of this species in the region. The species was found in two streams, about 5 km from each other. While being locally
abundant, the adults of X. laevis are smaller than those from South Africa and California. In spite of an abundant production of eggs and tadpoles at one of
the streams, no tadpoles were found in advanced developmental stages. Until now, most individuals were found in heavily urbanized
areas that should constrain their ability to cross overland to other water bodies. An eradication program may be feasible,
but the presence of adults on two streams indicates that the species may be expanding, in spite of the urban landscape. |
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