Frog that moos like an ox dangerous invasive species is monitored in Florianópolis Morgana Fernandes/ NSC TV An amphibian that emits a sound similar to the mooing of an ox mobilizes environmental authorities in Florianópolis. The bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana), an invasive exotic species, began to be monitored by the Municipal Environmental Foundation (Floram) after being identified in the Ratones neighborhood, in the north of the capital. The idea is to contain and monitor their growth. According to the Amphibian and Reptile Ecology Laboratory (UFSC), where the already captured animals were taken, the size of the bullfrog makes it a great predator, "facilitating competition with native species and the occupation of their niches". It can also transmit diseases that affect native amphibians, fish and reptiles. ✅ Click and follow the g1 SC channel on WhatsApp 🐸 🔴 The species is in the highest alert category (Category 1) on the list of invasive species in Santa Catarina, a classification that guides the management of the species in the state. The animals will undergo analysis, including testing for ranavirus and chytridiomycosis. Now on g1 "The work we are conducting in Ratones follows a strategy of early detection and rapid response. When an exotic species is identified early on, it is possible to better understand the situation, map its occurrence and make informed decisions, in partnership with other institutions and the community", explains Fábio Henrique Machado, president of Floram. Originally from North America, the bullfrog was brought to Brazil in 1935 for commercial breeding in frogs. After the closure of these structures, escapes and releases introduced the animal into the wild. The first record of the amphibian in Florianópolis was made in October 2025 on a property in Ratones. To date, two field actions have been carried out, with the capture of 11 specimens, 10 in November 2025 (three juveniles and seven adults) and one in March 2026, informed the city hall. The presence was confirmed in three properties and reports from residents indicate that it may have been in the neighborhood for even longer. What is the bullfrog? The bullfrog is a generalist species, with a varied diet that includes fish, amphibians, reptiles and small mammals, and with a high reproductive capacity. It can also transmit diseases that affect fish and frogs. It is a characteristic amphibian due to its size and because it is used in aquaculture, but due to escape and release it ended up spreading to several places in the world and became "one of the worst invasive species in the world", according to the Amphibian and Reptile Ecology Laboratory. Florianópolis asks the population for help The focus in Florianópolis includes environmental education activities, led by Floram in partnership with UFSC. The objective is to involve schools, residents and communities in participatory mapping of the species and encourage the population to report places of occurrence or where the frog's characteristic sound is heard, a deep vocalization, similar to the mooing of an ox, which gives rise to the animal's popular name. The city council advises that, in these cases, the incident must be reported to Floram by email at [email protected] or via WhatsApp (48) 3237-5660. Management should not be carried out alone. VIDEOS: most watched g1 SC in the last 7 days