Download Letter to Pond Owners - Pender Islands Farmers Institute

The American bullfrog Rana (Lithobates) catesbeiana is listed
as one of the 100 Worst Alien Invasive Species in the World.
Unfortunately, it has been introduced to Pender Island, and its
numbers are increasing dramatically. It may even be in your pond!
Please read the enclosed brochure to help you identify these
invaders.
American Bullfrog populations are ecologically destructive. They
threaten indigenous ecosystems, habitats and native species. They
eat everything from ducklings, hummingbirds and ground-nesting birds
to fish and other frogs, and can radically alter local biodiversity.
Ignoring the problem will only allow it to worsen. You can help.
The Pender Islands Farmers’ Institute and other interested groups are tackling the problem.
This summer, amphibian specialist Stan Orchard’s bullfrog-capture team will begin work on
North Pender, starting with ponds in the Port Washington area. His website
www.bullfrogcontrol.com has more information about bullfrogs and their control.
Due to the life-cycle stages of the American bullfrog, eradication may take two to four years.
The estimated cost of having the professional team complete all of the 2011 fieldwork on
Pender could be $15,000-$20,000. Clearly, this amount of money is not currently available.
Grant monies may be available to help offset costs in the future. In the meantime, we are
proceeding with a focus on just the most infested areas. This will cost about $2,000.00.
How can you help?
• Permit access to your pond for a team to assess and catch any bullfrogs.
• Contribute to the costs of the eradication.
• Consider assisting as a team member.
• Let us know about other ponds and wet areas where there may be bullfrogs.
• Learn more about the threat of the American Bullfrog (see above website).
Homeowners with ponds will receive a follow-up phone call. Please participate in this important
endeavour to preserve our island ecosystem – it is, after all, part of the reason we choose to
live here.