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Mark–recapture studies indicate that Bufo marinus populations introduced into Australia tend to attain densities much higher than those reported in native habitats in South America. Moreover, its high rate of spread into northern Australia is raising concerns about the local fauna. The major ecological factors contributing to the observed differences in density are unknown. A population model based on empirical data from both continents was derived to explore the relationship between the life history parameters and population densities of this species, and to identify those parameters most likely to explain the differences in densities observed between continents. Model predictions seem consistent with the empirical data. The model predicted equilibrium densities in Australia one order of magnitude higher than those reported in South America. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis showed that adult equilibrium densities …