Cane Toads
Working together to stop Cane Toads
Cane toads are an invasive species that pose a threat to Australian native wildlife, our domestic pets and local agricultural industries. With an estimated two billion toads and an ever-expanding range across Australia, we need your help to control cane toads. This is your chance to make a difference.
Cane Toads are infamous across Australia. But do you know why they cause such a problem?
1. Cane toads cause declines in our native wildlife – cane toads secrete a poison – bufotoxin – from their paratoid glands. Australian native species are vulnerable to poisoning when they mouth or try to eat cane toads. Dramatic drops in populations of quolls, freshwater crocodiles, goannas and monitor species have been well documented as cane toads move into new areas. Cane toads may also compete for habitat resources with species of native frog
2. Cane toads poison our domestic pets – an adult cane toad has enough poison to kill a medium sized dog in 15 minutes. Thousands of cases of cane toad poisoning in dogs and cats are occur every year in Australia.
3. Cane toads negatively impact local agricultural industries – cane toads have a voracious appetite and eat insects that support cattle and apiary industries. Cane toads eat dung beetles, which are essential to break down manure and control parasites like buffalo fly in cattle pastures. Cane toads also eat bees if hives are not raised off the ground.
Join the Cane Toad Challenge!
Every toad counts.
Nature is gradually adapting to cane toads; native species are learning to safely eat these pests and will one day manage their numbers.
But you can make a real difference right now! Controlling cane toads on your own property can create a safe haven for wildlife, pets and livestock.
Controlling cane toads at every life stage is the most effective way to reduce your cane toad numbers. We recommend a combination of toad busting and tadpole trapping!
