Predator vs. Prey
Most of the Northern Leopard Frogs’ interactions with other species is predatory. Predatory relationships are ones where one of the organisms involved in the relationship benefits while the other usually serves as food or some type of nourishment. In the case of two major species with which the frog interacts; flies and worms, the frog is the predator while the flies and worms act as prey and so are consumed for nourishment. However, due to the growing use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals, the frogs’ interaction with these species is now negatively affecting their population size. Another type of species with which the Northern Leopard Frog interacts is the Bullfrog. The bullfrog is not native to the parts of Canada in which the Leopard Frog resides, such as Ontario or British Columbia, but rather the eastern part of the United States. The type of relationship exhibited here is competition. Both species are competing for the same resources. This relationship, too, is having a negative effect on Northern Leopard Frog populations. Non-native and invasive species are out-competing the native Northern Leopard Frog for resources in areas which are not very abundant. Due to this, Northern Leopard Frog populations are decreasing. |