Cane toads - know the signs

Summary

Sarah from North Coast Local Land Services discusses the invasive cane toad and its devastating impact on native wildlife. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and control, as cane toads not only harm local species but also disrupt ecosystems and agricultural practices. Signs of their presence include a decline in wildlife, dead turtles near water sources, and their distinct calls. Sarah provides identification tips and encourages landowners to report sightings, stressing that community efforts are crucial for effective management and the protection of native wildlife.

Takeaways

• 🐸 Cane toads are highly adaptable invasive species that threaten native wildlife on the North Coast.
• ⚠️ Immediate control measures are crucial upon first signs of cane toad presence to prevent larger infestations.
• 🌱 The decline of native wildlife, like snakes and goannas, can indicate an invasion of cane toads in the area.
• 🐢 Dead turtles around dams may also signal the presence of cane toads, which can be fatal to other species.
• 🐾 Pets can be harmed by cane toads through direct ingestion of toxins or contaminated water bowls.
• 🎵 The distinctive call of a cane toad sounds like a running motorbike, which can help in identifying them.
• 🥚 Cane toad eggs are long, jelly-like strings with black dots, and are different from native frog eggs.
• 🐸 Juvenile cane toads are often confused with native frogs, making identification challenging.
• 🧤 If you find a cane toad, handle it carefully with gloves and report it using the Feral Scan app or website.
• 🤝 Community involvement is essential; managing cane toads effectively requires cooperation across multiple properties.

Q & A

What role does Sarah play at North Coast Local Land Services?

Sarah works in the Invasive Pest Team, assisting landowners in managing feral animals on their properties, specifically cane toads.

Why are cane toads considered a problem for native wildlife?

Cane toads have a catastrophic impact on native wildlife because they can be fatal when ingested by animals that eat frogs and tadpoles, leading to decimated populations of these species.

What should landowners do upon noticing cane toads?

Landowners should undertake control measures immediately to prevent the problem from escalating and should be aware of the signs of cane toad presence.

How do cane toads impact the ecosystem beyond predation?

Cane toads consume large amounts of beneficial insects, which can adversely affect horticultural and grazing industries, including beekeeping.

What are some signs that indicate the presence of cane toads on a property?

Signs include the absence of wildlife, dead turtles around water bodies, and finding cane toads or their eggs and tadpoles.

How can cane toads affect household pets?

Cane toads can poison pets through bites or by contaminating their water bowls with toxins, making it crucial to elevate water bowls out of their reach.

What distinguishes cane toad eggs from native frog eggs?

Cane toad eggs are long, jelly-like strings with black dots, often sinking in water, while native frog eggs typically have different appearances.

What are the key physical characteristics of adult cane toads?

Adult cane toads average about 15 centimeters in length, have dry, warty skin, a bony ridge between their eyes, unwebbed front feet, and a large gland on each shoulder that releases toxins.

How can one report a sighting of cane toads?

Sightings can be reported via the Feral Scan website or app by uploading photos and location details, or by calling North Coast Local Land Services.

What is the importance of community involvement in managing cane toads?

Community involvement is crucial because managing cane toads effectively requires cooperation across multiple properties to enhance control efforts and protect native wildlife.