The cane toad is a native of Central and South America and was introduced into Queensland sugar cane farms in 1935 to control the spread of the Cane Beetle.
The cane toad loved it in Australia and while it made little impression on the beetle, it had a disastrous effect on many native species of frogs animals and birds. It has two glands on its shoulders through which it secretes a milky poisonous fluid that is highly toxic and fatal to many species when ingested. Even the carcase of a dead toad will kill another animal if it is eaten. Many of Australia's frogs are threatened with extinction by the explosion of the cane toad population. The toads compete with the frogs for breeding environment and eat the frog tadpoles.
Since its introduction, it has spread from the cane farms in Queensland across the north to Broome and south as far as Sydney. It is also now firmly established itself in many arid regions in outback Queensland.
Excellent image. He stands in defiance of all Toad Busters. Mum has a letter written in 1937 from a friend who described seeing the newly introduced animals on display at the Townsville Show . Interestingly she described them as ugly creatures but was sure they were going to be a real boost to the sugar cane industry in north Queensland. Little did they know.
Fantastic capture of this horrible beast!! Such interesting information Terry!! Another case where they should leave nature alone!! Huge Fav for this shot!!
Stunning capture in beautiful detail and colour Terry, It reminds me of Newtons third law " for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction" Funny how some things turn out badly:)
Great shot Terry.I had to train the dog as he was chasing them.I sprayed him on the nose with dettol as i was spraying the toad and didn,t he hate that.He,s never gone near one since and if i pick up a dead toad and show him he bolts which i,m real happy about as they give a dog a fairly painfull death.
Great perspective on capturing this guy. Thanks for including the background. Seems the same scenario occurs many places when good intentions have unforeseen impacts.
@gigiflower I have had this shot in mind for at least six months Sam and the other night was the first time I had seen one in our yard since I goit the idea. So the answer is yes but not a lot. We are in a hilly area now but many moons ago we lived in Chelmer which is down on the river "flats" and we would see them every night there.
@mjalkotzy Interesting Martin. The basis for introducing the toad back in 1935 was the success they had had with the toad controlling the beetles in Hawaii .
@777margo After rain on the golf course, the very small ones are hopping around in their thousands. At first you try to stomp on every one you see but after a short while the futility of it all sinks in and you give up.
This is an excellent shot. I enjoyed your commentary, as I have not heard of this unfortunately invasive species before. As I read the comments, above, you can really tell who is writing from the Aussie point of view. :)
interesting commentary!
FAV
Hopefully this link to my favourite cane toad video works. http://youtu.be/dcTxE1ay5SI