DNA Evidence Exposes Bullfrogs

Scientists have found a new way to detect the presence of bullfrogs in waterbodies without ever seeing a single frog.

Now that American Bullfrogs have invaded European ponds and wetlands, scientists are conducting surveys to document their spread. Rather than going about it the old fashioned way with waders and nets, scientists at the University of Milano-Bicocca in Italy are using DNA analysis. The scientists have found that they can accurately detect the presence of bullfrogs by analyzing even minute pond water samples for bullfrog DNA. They have already surveyed over 2,500 wetlands in France for bullfrog invasion, and the methodology even allows a certain degree of population quantification. Researchers are beginning to study the potential to extend the technique to other animals.

Reebs, S. (2008, July/August). A Whiff of DNA. Natural History, 117, 10.