Mercy or messy: distribution and differentiation of native and released Chinese bullfrogs (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) in Hong Kong using genetic and morphological analyses

Home and hub: pet trade and traditional medicine impact reptile populations in source locations and destinations

“…when introduced animals fail to adjust and die shortly after), to increase of the overall local genetic pool when there is no interaction with local populations of the same species, to the loss of genetic diversity through the loss of local adaptations or through hybridization. This loss of diversity, also known as ‘genetic pollution’, has been described in other Hong Kong herptile taxa (turtles [15] and frogs [46]). Mercy release is a common Buddhist and Taoist practice which involves the liberation of captive animals for spiritual purposes and constitutes a primary source of introductions in the region [46,47].…”

“…This loss of diversity, also known as ‘genetic pollution’, has been described in other Hong Kong herptile taxa (turtles [15] and frogs [46]). Mercy release is a common Buddhist and Taoist practice which involves the liberation of captive animals for spiritual purposes and constitutes a primary source of introductions in the region [46,47]. Moreover, some pet owners may choose to release their animals on ‘compassion’ grounds (i.e.…”

“…Given this, we do not recommend culling or removal of these populations. However, the prevention of further releases of captive animals in the wild should be a priority and releases made illegal (supplemented by education and further monitoring) given the significant negative consequences possible for native species [46].…”

Occurrence of Pathogenic Chytrid Fungi Batrachochytrium Salamandrivorans and Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis in the Hong Kong Newt (Paramesotriton Hongkongensis) and Other Wild and Imported Amphibians in a Subtropical Asian Region

“…The Bd we detected on imported amphibians from pet shops indicates that international animal trade via Hong Kong may potentially introduce chytrid fungal pathogens to amphibian populations of different regions. The chytrid on these imported amphibians may be transmitted to other regions through re-exports, to local ecosystems through intentional release or accidental escape of individuals infected (Lee et al 2022), or to captive environments through repeated uses of chytrid-contaminated materials for captive amphibian husbandry (Spitzen-van der Sluijs et al 2011). To minimize the risk of spread of chytrids to local and other regions through international trade, it is crucial to quarantine imported amphibians and screen for Bsal and Bd during quarantine to gather more information on the country and breeder sources of amphibians that are chytrid carriers.…”

“…More than 7,000 live individuals of CITES-listed amphibians were imported during 2015–2019 (GovHK 2020), with the actual trade numbers expected to be far higher when including non-CITES-listed species. Imported amphibians may be introduced into local amphibian population through, for instance, religious mercy release, which is a common practice in Hong Kong (Lee et al 2022). Moreover, a large number of amphibians are exported from Hong Kong.…”