About Cane Toads
Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) are an invasive species that pose a threat to Australian native wildlife, our domestic pets and even local agricultural industries. With an estimated population 200 million Cane Toads and an ever-expanding range across Australia, we need your help.
This is your chance to make a difference.
Cane Toads are infamous across Australia. But do you know why they are 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 ingest this poison. Dramatic drops in populations of Quoll, Freshwater Crocodiles, Goannas and Monitors have been well documented as Cane Toads move into new areas. Cane Toads are present in high numbers across their range and have a huge appetite, competing for habitat resources with native species including frogs.
2. Cane Toads poison our domestic pets
Did you know an adult Cane Toad has enough poison to kill a medium sized dog in 15 minutes? Domestic cats and dogs are also vulnerable to poisoning from bufotoxin if it is mouthed or ingested. Thousands of cases of Cane Toad poisoning in cats and dogs occur every year in Australia.
3. Cane Toads negatively impact local agricultural industries
Cane Toads have a voracious appetite and eat beneficial insects, including Dung Beetles and Bees. These insects are important to both cattle and apiary industries. Dung Beetles are often imported by graziers to break down manure, which improves pasture health and control parasites like buffalo fly. Cane Toads also eat Bees if hives are not raised off the ground.
Join the Cane Toad Challenge!
Every Cane 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 reduces numbers, creating better habitat for native wildlife and giving you peace of mind for your pets and livestock.
Controlling Cane Toads at every life stage through toad busting and tadpole trapping is the most effective way to make an impact.
