controlling the cane toad
Because the Cane Toad has expanded its range across northeastern Australia and into other regions of the continent there is little we can do to eradicate it. However, scientists and citizens alike can take part in controlling the spread of these toads. We do not want the toad to commit any further damage across the continent. Using the advice and information below you can learn more about control efforts and even take part in some of them.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Learn how to identify Cane Toads
- Learn how to safely and humanely dispose of Cane Toads
- Learn about scientists' efforts and research regarding control of the Cane Toad
- Learn how to take steps to prevent the spread of Cane Toads--check your car when you travel, "cane-toad proof" your house, etc.
- Put up fences to help slow their spread
- Participate in community outreach and Cane Toad capture programs
- Donate to further research (see video below for an example of current research--genetic control of Cane Toads)
The following link leads to a CSIRO report detailing the methodology, reasoning, and progress of genetic control of Cane Toads via Beta-globin injections in Cane Toad tadpoles:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.environment.gov.au%2Farchive%2Fbiodiversity%2Finvasive%2Fpublications%2Fpubs%2Fbiological-control.pdf&ei=niFYU4eRBY2HyASXq4K4DA&usg=AFQjCNF5LJ3yQfXXEAV4jNAN6E6nhXskSA&sig2=J7LQfF1SLfOewfJ8I-4rJg&bvm=bv.65397613,bs.1,d.aWw
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDAQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.environment.gov.au%2Farchive%2Fbiodiversity%2Finvasive%2Fpublications%2Fpubs%2Fbiological-control.pdf&ei=niFYU4eRBY2HyASXq4K4DA&usg=AFQjCNF5LJ3yQfXXEAV4jNAN6E6nhXskSA&sig2=J7LQfF1SLfOewfJ8I-4rJg&bvm=bv.65397613,bs.1,d.aWw
IDENTIFYING CANE TOADS:
Some species of native frogs are easily mistaken for invasive Cane Toads. Before you kill a toad, make sure that it is in fact a Cane Toad and not a native frog or toad. Adult Cane Toads are usually very large, ranging from 9-15cm in length, and are not often confused with smaller native species. However, younger Cane Toads can be easily confused with native species.
Key distinguishing characteristics of invasive Cane Toads include the presence of large shoulder glands and ridges on the eyelids.
Confusion is also quite common between Cane Toad eggs/tadpoles and eggs/tadpoles of native species.
For a comprehensive test to see if the frog/toad you have captured is a native species or an invasive Cane Toad visit:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/IdentifyingACaneToad.htm
For more information about differentiating native and invasive tadpoles visit:
http://www.frogsnotcanetoads.com.au/tadpoles.php
For more information about distinguishing native toad/frog species from invasive Cane Toads, take a look at the following identification document compiled by the Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW.
Some species of native frogs are easily mistaken for invasive Cane Toads. Before you kill a toad, make sure that it is in fact a Cane Toad and not a native frog or toad. Adult Cane Toads are usually very large, ranging from 9-15cm in length, and are not often confused with smaller native species. However, younger Cane Toads can be easily confused with native species.
Key distinguishing characteristics of invasive Cane Toads include the presence of large shoulder glands and ridges on the eyelids.
Confusion is also quite common between Cane Toad eggs/tadpoles and eggs/tadpoles of native species.
For a comprehensive test to see if the frog/toad you have captured is a native species or an invasive Cane Toad visit:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/IdentifyingACaneToad.htm
For more information about differentiating native and invasive tadpoles visit:
http://www.frogsnotcanetoads.com.au/tadpoles.php
For more information about distinguishing native toad/frog species from invasive Cane Toads, take a look at the following identification document compiled by the Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW.
A free Cane Toad identification app is also available through iTunes:
CANE TOADS IN AUSTRALIA AS A SOURCE POPULATION:
- The rapidly expanding Cane Toad population in Australia poses a threat to neighboring countries and global trade partners
- According to New Zealand's Government the Cane Toad has yet to establish a population in New Zealand, yet several Cane Toads have been intercepted by authorities at the border from citizens returning from Australia and from cargo being transported between the two countries
- Numerous purposeful introductions of the Cane Toad have been made throughout the world, including in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the Philippines, Martinique, Barbados, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and to several other Caribbean and Pacific islands
- Established populations in these countries as well as in Australia pose a threat to surrounding countries
- This threat makes control and containment of the Cane Toad a top priority
POTENTIAL USES OF CANE TOADS:
- Medicinal and pharmaceutical applications of extracted poison (aphrodisiac, hair restorer, cardiac surgery)
- Pregnancy tests (not as applicable in present-day)
- Fertilizer
- Leather goods
- Novelty items (taxidermy, tourist souvenirs)
- Pets
- Laboratory/scientific research
- Food (after removal of skin and poison glands)
LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Fences:
http://www.stopthetoad.org.au/main/videos.php
http://www.stopthetoad.org.au/main/how_to_help.php
Keeping them out of your backyard:
http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/animals/canetoads/2009095d-ct-backyard-bro_final_1.pdf
Traveling and Euthanasia:
https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/uploadedFiles/moretonbay/environment/fauna/canetoad-brochure.pdf
Humane ways to dispose of Cane toads:
http://www.frogsafe.org.au/cane_toads/dispose.shtml
Breeding and release of Black Mamba to control Cane Toad populations:
http://www.burdekinherald.com/2014/01/23/government-to-introduce-22-000-black-mambas-to-help-eradicate-cane-toads/
More information:
http://www.stopthetoad.org.au/main/videos.php
http://www.stopthetoad.org.au/main/how_to_help.php
Keeping them out of your backyard:
http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plants-animals/animals/canetoads/2009095d-ct-backyard-bro_final_1.pdf
Traveling and Euthanasia:
https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/uploadedFiles/moretonbay/environment/fauna/canetoad-brochure.pdf
Humane ways to dispose of Cane toads:
http://www.frogsafe.org.au/cane_toads/dispose.shtml
Breeding and release of Black Mamba to control Cane Toad populations:
http://www.burdekinherald.com/2014/01/23/government-to-introduce-22-000-black-mambas-to-help-eradicate-cane-toads/
More information:
- http://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/plants-and-animals/animals/cane-toads
- http://www.canetoadsinoz.com/other_control_options.html
- http://www.csiro.au/Outcomes/Safeguarding-Australia/Cane-Toad-Research.aspx