Cane Toads have become pests and are a threat to Australia’s Native faunas. Many people and conservation groups come together throughout the year to kill these toads. These toads are not protected by Australian wildlife regulations, however, they are covered by animal-welfare-laws, therefore should be killed in the most humane way as possible.
There are groups of people (such as locals, etc.) who go out to
specifically to hunt down the toads. When the toads are caught(using gloves to ensure the skin is not exposed to the toad’s poison), they are placed in big bags and are gassed. Others are caught and placed into freezers for several days to certify they do not come back to life. Dead toads are taken to dissected and for further research to be done.
Conservation groups such as Frog Watch encourage and help manage the population of Cane Toads within National Parks where native reptiles are mainly impacted. In the Kimberly region of Western Australia, research shows that the number of lizards has fallen in recent years. However, studies in Darwin show that there is a much healthier native reptile population as the toads there have been well managed.
Researches believe that they are able to make genetically modified sausages out of the least toxic part of the toad to feed quolls. When the sausage is made, a special chemical is smothered on it that causes the quolls to have a bad tummy ache and throw up. This teaches the quolls not to eat anything that smells or tastes like a Cane Toad.
Despite this there have been countless times where people mistaken Native frogs – including endangered species for Cane Toads. At a recent campaign held in Sydney, “Stop the Toad”, 97 phone calls were made to a community group from members of the public reporting they had found cane toads, however, only 5 ended up involving cane toads. The rest resulted to being frogs and a lizard. Professional biologists are also known to confuse baby toads for frogs or vice versa.
The best way to ensure you have caught the animal is to look at its size. Cane Toads can grow much bigger than native frog. Its rough warty skin, big poisonous glands on its shoulders, bony ridges above it brows is rather distinctive when it comes to comparing an adult toad to a frog. To be 100% sure, you should call your local National Parks and Wildlife office, or the Frog Helpline (0419 249 728) for
assistance.
There are groups of people (such as locals, etc.) who go out to
specifically to hunt down the toads. When the toads are caught(using gloves to ensure the skin is not exposed to the toad’s poison), they are placed in big bags and are gassed. Others are caught and placed into freezers for several days to certify they do not come back to life. Dead toads are taken to dissected and for further research to be done.
Conservation groups such as Frog Watch encourage and help manage the population of Cane Toads within National Parks where native reptiles are mainly impacted. In the Kimberly region of Western Australia, research shows that the number of lizards has fallen in recent years. However, studies in Darwin show that there is a much healthier native reptile population as the toads there have been well managed.
Researches believe that they are able to make genetically modified sausages out of the least toxic part of the toad to feed quolls. When the sausage is made, a special chemical is smothered on it that causes the quolls to have a bad tummy ache and throw up. This teaches the quolls not to eat anything that smells or tastes like a Cane Toad.
Despite this there have been countless times where people mistaken Native frogs – including endangered species for Cane Toads. At a recent campaign held in Sydney, “Stop the Toad”, 97 phone calls were made to a community group from members of the public reporting they had found cane toads, however, only 5 ended up involving cane toads. The rest resulted to being frogs and a lizard. Professional biologists are also known to confuse baby toads for frogs or vice versa.
The best way to ensure you have caught the animal is to look at its size. Cane Toads can grow much bigger than native frog. Its rough warty skin, big poisonous glands on its shoulders, bony ridges above it brows is rather distinctive when it comes to comparing an adult toad to a frog. To be 100% sure, you should call your local National Parks and Wildlife office, or the Frog Helpline (0419 249 728) for
assistance.
Couriermail.com.au. 2013. No Cookies | The Courier-Mail. [online] Available at:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/revenge-on-the-cne-toad/story-e6freoof-1226161623660 [Accessed: 6 Sep 2013].
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/revenge-on-the-cne-toad/story-e6freoof-1226161623660 [Accessed: 6 Sep 2013].