A giant cane toad (Rhinella marina) was recently discovered in Queensland, Australia, weighing about 2.7 kilograms. Immediately euthanized, this species has confused the Australian government and citizens because it has become a dangerous pest.
Even though at first this was not the case, the cane frog, which is on average large in size, was brought to Australia for a good cause. Yes, this animal is not native to Australia. They originate from South and Central America.
So in 1935, hundreds if not thousands of cane toads were brought to Queensland in an attempt to control the cane weevil which was ravaging the sugar cane crop. However, it turned out to be a big disaster.
This animal reproduces so quickly and has no natural predators in Australia, especially its poisonous skin. Last year, it was estimated that there were more than two billion cane toads living in Australia's four states and they are continuing to spread.
"Cane toads are so toxic to native species that any animal that tries to eat them will likely die. Another problem is that cane toads have such a voracious appetite, that they eat almost any food source, none of which is available to our native species," Emily said. Vincent, expert on invasive species.
"That's their way of monopolizing an area and driving out native animals," he added.
A single female cane toad can produce up to 70,000 tadpoles annually. Unlike frogs, cane toad young develop very quickly.
"They only become tadpoles for 3 weeks, while frogs need up to 2 months, so they can master an area very quickly," explained Emily.
Various attempts have been made to minimize the population of cane toads, for example an annual event to catch them which involves many people. This cane frog will then be killed by existing procedures.
"We need Australians to step up and work together to fend off cane toads on a national scale. The more people involved, the bigger our impact," said the website of Watergum, an environmental organization.
"If you find mature cane toads that are fertile before they have a chance to breed, you prevent the next generation from arriving, giving native species a chance to reclaim their habitat," they added.