Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

Cane toads

Compiled by Gary Martin, Marion Massam

The cane toad has been nominated by the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders. Cane toads are a declared animal pest in WA and it is illegal to keep them or bring them into the State.

This webpage provides information about cane toads and their management in Western Australia.

Frequently asked questions

• How do I identify a cane toad?
• How do I report sightings?
• What is the distribution of cane toads?
• What impacts do cane toads have?
• What is being done about cane toads?
• What are the local control options for cane toads?
• Why isn't a long fence being built to exclude toads from Western Australia?
• Why isn't large-scale trapping being used to exclude toads from Western Australia?
• What is the best method to dispose of live cane toads?
• What first aid is available for toad poisoning?
• What can I do about cane toads?
• Where can I find more information?
• Advice on humane killing of cane toads

How do I identify a cane toad?

What does a cane toad look like?

Adult cane toads are heavily built, with rough, extremely warty skin (especially on the back and legs) and are typically 10-15 cm long. They range from dull brown, yellowish to blackish on top and mottled brown underneath. Cane toads have large eardrums just below/behind the eyes, and large glands behind the head which exudes a white poisonous substance. The call of the male is a high-pitched purr that is sustained for about 30 seconds.

Cane toad tadpoles are shiny black on top and have a plain dark belly and a short thin tail. They swim close to the surface and sometimes gather in huge numbers in shallow water. They are smaller (less than 3.5 cm long) than many native tadpoles.

How do I distinguish between a cane toad and a native frog?

Information on cane toad identification can be found at the Department of Environment and Conseervation, NSW web site at this address:
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Identifying+a+cane+toad

What does a cane toad sound like?

The cane toad call can be heard at these addresses:

• Frogwatch - frogs in the Northern Territory are more likely to be similar to those in the Kimberley
  www.frogwatch.org.au/index.cfm?attributes.fuseaction=browse&listtype=common

or

• Cane toads in the Top End
  www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/canetoads/
• New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service : Identifying a cane toad
  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Identifying+a+cane+toad

Are there any native toads in Australia?

True toads (Bufonidae) occur naturally on all continents except Australia. However, some native Australian frogs have been given names such as Holy Cross Toad and Red-crowned Toadlet because of their similarity to toads (they have short legs, thickset bodies and move in short hops).

Where can I obtain assistance with identification?

The Pestnote produced by the Department of Agriculture (DAWA) and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) has a key to assist in identification and to distinguish between cane toads and native frogs:
PestNote 1/2005 'Cane toad'

For assistance with the identification of cane toads, please contact the Department of Agriculture Pest and Disease Information Service on free call 1800 084 881, phone 9368 3666 or by emailing info@agric.wa.gov.au

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How do I report sightings?

Where can I report sightings of cane toads in WA?

If a member of the public finds what they believe is a cane toad in Western Australia, it is very important they report this to the Department of Agriculture's cane toad hotline on freecall 1800 084 881 or by emailing info@agric.wa.gov.au. This will ensure that no native frogs are mistaken for toads and killed, and that all toads found in areas previously free of the pests, are detected and removed. If you're not sure whether it's a cane toad, capture the animal or take a digital photograph to email.

Staff are available at all times to receive and investigate your report.

The accidental importation of a cane toad or the killing of a native frog thought to be a cane toad is no one's fault and reports of such incidents are treated as opportunities to learn about how to avoid them happening again so the State is better protected.

What information is required from me when I report sightings?

1. Contact number for person reporting sighting: More information may be required for staff to follow up the sighting.
2. Address and description of location, date and time of day where animal found or seen. Include habitat (grass, window ledge, height above ground, dog bowl, in pile of sand, in pot plant, on side of the road etc). The date is important, especially if it has been a while since the sighting was made.
3. Reasons/circumstances why it may be a cane toad. For example recent camping or other visits to toad-infested areas, import of goods from such areas or sightings of large frogs.
4. How identified: Was an identification key used? What features indicated that it was a cane toad?
5. Number of toads: Was it an individual or were there a number of them?
6. Age: Was it a juvenile/adult cane toad, spawn or tadpoles?
7. Alive or dead: It may have been a road kill.

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What is the distribution of cane toads?

Where are cane toads present in Australia?

In Australia they are present in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory, with their range expanding each year. Populations are presently approaching Darwin, with reports of individual animals in the city. The main front moving towards Western Australia appears to be at the Victoria River Roadhouse, which is east of Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. There have also been individual animals found in Timber Creek.

Have any cane toads been found in WA?

Most interceptions have been in the Kimberley region in recent years. Two live cane toads were found in pot plants at the Kununurra quarantine checkpoint (2001 and 2004), one found dead at a business in Kununurra town (2004), one dead at Broome airport (2003) and one alive at a Kununurra caravan park (2004).

The last toads found elsewhere in the State were in Morley in January 2005 - this animal arrived by plane from Queensland in personal luggage (a shoe) - and two dead ones in a shipping container in Canning Vale in March 2005.

When is it likely they could arrive in WA?

If the toads maintain their rate of migration the main front will most likely reach the WA/NT border between 2007 and 2012. Drier conditions during the intervening period will delay their arrival.

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What impacts do cane toads have?

Agricultural

• Eat large numbers of dung beetles. Reduction in the number of dung beetles will potentially mean an increase in the number of flies in some areas.
• Eat large numbers of honey bees, with consequences for honey production and hive management.
• Pollution of bore holes, water holes and drinking troughs.

Social

• Accidental consumption of the toads themselves by some human immigrants and by Aborigines.
• Mouthing (biting) of toads creating a risk of death to domestic animals, including cats and dogs.
• Pollution of swimming pools and the expense of making them toad-proof.
• Costs to human health, the eggs of some human parasites found in human faeces remain viable after passage through toads.
• Eco-tourism may be affected.

Environmental

• Cane toads poison many animals that try to eat them. Animals that have been affected in other states and will also be affected here include frogs, reptiles (freshwater crocodiles, goannas, skinks and snakes), fish, and native mammals including quolls. Populations of many of these animals have been drastically reduced.
• Cane toads also compete with native species for food, and also eat anything that fits into their mouths including nesting birds/eggs, small mammals, and frogs. Frog numbers decline drastically when cane toads establish in an area.
• Toads are known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to native frog species

Cultural

• Decline in bush tucker.
• Traditional ceremonies may be altered.
• Effects on areas that are sacred sites.

What would be the impact on our ecosystem if cane toads did become prevalent in WA?

Although no species has been confirmed to have been made extinct as a result of cane toad impacts, in areas of northern Australia that cane toads have invaded there has been a marked decline in the populations of many native species. Cane toads (adults and juveniles), their tadpoles and eggs are toxic to almost all native predators. The toads also consume almost any living thing that they can fit into their mouths. Their impact on natural biodiversity is likely to be significant in parts, if not all, of the Kimberley. For more information about the impact of cane toads, visit the CALM cane toad site at www.calm.wa.gov.au.

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What is being done about cane toads?

National strategies

The National Cane Toad Task Force is:

• Reviewing the available information and information needs and gaps;
• Recommending priorities for research on impacts, monitoring and control, including assessment of costs and benefits;
• Recommending management responses; and
• Coordinating and promoting research and management responses

It is preparing a report on these matters for the Vertebrate Pests Committee.

National research

Scientists at the CSIRO Animal Health Laboratory in Victoria have been searching for biological controls of cane toads and in 2001 they began investigating gene technology as a mechanism for control. Scientists at the University of Adelaide have also isolated a sex pheromone in a native Australian frog; they hope that a similar pheromone will be found in cane toads and that it could be used to disrupt their breeding cycle. The goal of other research is to interfere with the metamorphosis of the cane toad to prevent it from maturing and reproducing. The concept is based on research that was done a few years ago in the US on bullfrogs, where inoculation of tadpoles with adult haemoglobin interfered with metamorphosis.

Further information can be found at the following sites:

• www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=blank&id=AnimalHealthNewsNovember2002#Toads
  CSIRO researchers are developing a new strategy for cane toad control - using gene technology.
• www.csiro.au/index.asp?type=faq&id=CaneToadControl&stylesheet=sectorInformationSheet#research
  CSIRO Cane Toad Research

Western Australian operations

Cane Toad Initiative

On 11 December 2004 the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Minister for Environment and Heritage announced the allocation of $600,000 of State funds to the Department of Agriculture for the management of cane toads. The prospect of a further $600,000 in 'matching' funds from the Commonwealth continues to be explored through the Federal Department of Environment and Heritage.

The Department of Agriculture in conjunction with the Department of Conservation and Land Management and the Agriculture Protection Board (APB) are undertaking an initiative which addresses four key areas:

1. Effective Statewide Co-ordination of Cane Toad Issues

   Objective

   • To achieve a collaborative and effective ongoing approach to cane toad management.

2. Public Awareness of Cane Toad Issues

   Objective

   • To increase community and interstate traveller awareness and reporting of cane toads, and to educate the public on likely toad impacts and the prognosis for toad control.

3. Biodiversity Asset Identification and Protection

   Objective

   • To identify those native species likely to be affected by cane toads that result in catastrophic population declines, which could lead to their extinction, and to determine whether these species will require assistance or active management for recovery or conservation. Where such threats are identified, protective measures will be undertaken. For more information, visit the CALM cane toad site at www.calm.wa.gov.au

4. Delay of Entry and Establishment of Toads in the Kimberley and the Rest of WA

   Objectives

   • To delay cane toads entering and establishing in WA using known or innovative techniques to prevent entry, achieve effective surveillance and undertake control, including evaluation of traps and fencing options.
   • To monitor the rate of spread of cane toads from the NT into WA and across the Kimberley.

This initiative is being managed through an inter-departmental group including the Department of Agriculture, CALM and the APB.

Western Australian Strategies and Community Liaison

A State Cane Toad Management Advisory Committee has been established, comprised of representatives from government authorities, non-government organisations, and indigenous authorities. It will formulate policy and establish strategic objectives for a State Cane Toad Strategy and monitor and evaluate progress on cane toad related issues.

Kimberley Strategies and Community Liaison

A Kimberley Cane Toad Working Group (KCTWG) has been formed in Kununurra, comprising representatives of local government authorities, CALM, DAWA, industry groups (eco-tourism, conservation groups), and local indigenous authorities. It is focusing on local issues and advising on on-ground work and will report to the State Committee.

A Community Cane Toad Forum was recently held in Kununurra. Visit www.canetoad.com for more details.

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Why isn't a long fence being built to exclude toads from WA?

There have been public calls for a barrier fence to be constructed in the Northern Territory to stop the spread of cane toads into Western Australia. The idea of a fence has the appeal of a single action perceived by some as immediately resolving the toad problem and Cane Toad Initiative staff will be working with fencing experts and promoters in evaluating fencing designs.

However, many issues need to be considered, including:

• massive resources would be required to construct, maintain and patrol a fence and there is no guarantee that it would stop the spread of the toad (such a barrier would require proper design, installation and maintenance, as well as continuous survey and eradication efforts. This would require a long term commitment of resources to maintain effectiveness);
• wherever water flows through or over a fence, particularly during the wet, tadpoles and young would also get through (cane toad eggs may be as little as 3 mm long);
• such a fence would have to be located so that it avoided watercourses, wetlands and flood plains, as these areas would flood and negate any barrier;
• such a fence would have to be designed so that it could not be damaged by large feral animals and stock;
• major rivers that have the cane toad in their catchment (eg Victoria River) will transport toads into a coastal situation, and when in flood, across vast flood plains and mud flats. Toads could then move across the mud flats and mangrove systems, and could also move around the edge of a barrier via the sea. (Toads have already colonised all of the Pellew Island group in the Gulf of Carpentaria, NT. This occurred in 2001/02 when large outflows of freshwater from the Macarthur River occurred after a huge rainfall event associated with several sequential cyclones.); and
• fire and falling trees would remain constant threats to the integrity of any fence.

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Why isn't large-scale trapping being used to exclude toads from WA?

There have also been public calls for large-scale trapping to be implemented in the Northern Territory to stop the spread of cane toads into Western Australia. Many designs for traps have been suggested, however, none so far have been thoroughly tested. Reports indicate that traps are useful for achieving localised control, but their effects over larger areas is unknown. The Northern Territory Government has allocated $50,000 for the development of cane toad traps. A sub-committee of the National Cane Toad Taskforce is currently facilitating a trap design contest as well as overseeing the evaluation of traps in co-operation with Frogwatch NT. Cane Toad Initiative staff from WA will also be assisting in evaluating traps. See some designs at: www.frogwatch.org.au/canetoads/

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What are the local control options for cane toads?

Exclusion:

There are several ways to control the toad population in your yard. Since toads are not very good climbers, a suggested method is to place a 500 mm barrier of fine mesh or smooth sheeting around the outside of your fence which should be buried at least 100 mm since toads can burrow.

This will reduce the impact of toads on your property, such as toads in swimming pools, blocking drains, consuming native frogs and other animals and generally being a nuisance.

Limiting Access to Water:

In your yard eliminate, as much as possible, any fresh standing water as the toads look for fish-free water in which to breed. Cover the swimming pool and turn off pool and outside lights as much as possible. Cane toads also need moisture to survive (this doesn't mean free water, under a moist rock will do), and will die if they are unable to remain moist for about three days.

More information on making your yard a toad-free zone can be found at:
www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/docs/toad_free_zone.pdf

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What is the best method to dispose of live cane toads?

If a member of the public finds what they think is a cane toad, it is very important they first report this to the Department of Agriculture's cane toad hotline on freecall 1800 084 881 or by emailing info@agric.wa.gov.au This will ensure that no native frogs are mistaken for toads and killed, because up to two-thirds of suspected toads turn out to be harmless native frogs. Also go to the 'How do I identify a cane toad' section of this page.

Under the Western Australian Animal Welfare Act 2002, even when disposing of pest animals there is an obligation to use the most humane method possible. For further information on the humane disposal of cane toads contact the Department of Agriculture on free call 1800 084 881.

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What first aid is available for toad poisoning?

What should I do if I am poisoned by a cane toad?

The cane toad secretes a toxin that can be poisonous to humans and animals. When the toxin is squirted onto the skin or into the eyes, first aid should be immediately performed. Poisoning advice is available on 13 11 26 anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Useful information on first aid can also be found at the First aid page of the Queensland Poisons Information Centre. The toxin can cause pain and severe irritation to the eyes, or temporary visual disturbances.

First aid treatment includes irrigating (washing with a lot of water) the eyes, mouth and nose if they have been exposed to toad venom. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. When handling any frog or toad, protect the eyes, wear gloves, and thoroughly wash hands before and after touching the animal.

If toxin is squirted into the mouth, the patient should be taken immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. When swallowed, the toxin may affect the heart, blood pressure, breathing and cause paralysis.

What should I do if my pet dog/cat is poisoned by a cane toad?

Cane toad poisonings occur when a dog/cat picks the toad up in its mouth. Small dog breeds account for three-quarters of cases, with Jack Russell, Silky and Fox Terriers the most represented.

Poison glands occur on the toad's back. The poison is absorbed directly from the mouth into the blood stream and causes very rapid development of symptoms and sudden death in some cases. However, seeking veterinary assistance ensures that most dogs survive, with a 2004 study of 90 cane toad-poisoned dogs in Queensland reporting a survival rate of 96 per cent following veterinary intervention.

Symptoms and signs

• Your pet may drool or shake its head. Due to its corrosive and irritant nature, the poison will cause profuse salivation soon after your pet bites the toad. Following this, vomiting often occurs, especially in cats. Cats also show hindquarter weakness and a fixed trance-like stare.
• Severe muscle trembling and shaking occurs rapidly. Your pet may stagger and appear to lack coordination.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Convulsions. If your dog is poisoned, it will usually suffer from seizures or convulsions. These convulsions are usually fatal unless you seek urgent veterinary attention. The poison can also affect the heart of dogs and cats, causing immediate cardiac arrest.
• Coma and rapid progression to death.

Management

• After it has mouthed (bitten) a cane toad, it is vital that you remove all trace of the poison from your pet's teeth and gums. Flush your pet's mouth and face with lots of running water. Using a jet of water from a hose is an effective way of doing this. The water jet should be directed forward out of your pet's mouth, not down into its throat. Tilt the animal's head down so that you do not cause your pet to choke. Wash the eyes as well.

See your veterinarian urgently.

The cane toad is a nocturnal menace. They regularly poison dogs, such as Terriers, which often chase small animals. To prevent the problem, in areas in which cane toads are present, do not allow your dog to go outside unattended at night. Take it out on a lead if the need arises.

Place two or three bells on your dog's collar. The bells will not affect the toad, but you will learn to recognise the telltale jingling sound the bells make when your dog is 'suspiciously active'. Immediate investigation when the bells are ringing may save your dog's life.

Warning: the toad's poison can be squirted up to 2 metres so if you must handle a cane toad, make sure you're wearing gloves and have full eye protection.)

Domestic dogs can die within 15 minutes of eating a toad.

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What can I do about cane toads?

Everybody can pitch in to help stop cane toads spreading to new areas or by controlling them in their yard or local area. If you've visited an area where cane toads are present and you're travelling to an area without cane toads, make sure you check your vehicle, trailer and any camping equipment such as tents, swags or boots for any toads that may hitch a ride with you. This is also very important if you intend travelling to offshore islands in a boat that's been in a cane toad area. Cane toads have turned up in Perth in freight from Queensland and one in a pair of shoes.

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Where can I find more information?

For more detailed information see the DAWA/CALM Pestnote 1/2005 : Cane toad or contact the Department of Agriculture Pest and Disease Information Service on free call 1800 084 881, phone 9368 3666 or email info@agric.wa.gov.au

For other information see the following sites:

Frogwatch
Northern Australian Cane Toad Site
www.frogwatch.org.au/canetoads/

Australian Museum
Factsheet : Cane Toads, Giant Toads or Marine Toads
http://www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/canetoad.htm Factsheet : Is this a Cane Toad?
www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/banjo.htm

Queensland Museum
Leaflet : Cane toads
/www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/inquiry/leaflets/leaflet0030.pdf

Queensland Government
pest series : The cane toad (Bufo marinus)
www.nrm.qld.gov.au/factsheets/pdf/pest/PA21.pdf

NSW National Parks
Department of Environment and Conservation
www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Cane+toads

NT Government
Cane Toads in the Top End
www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/canetoads/

NT Park and Wildlife Commission Cane toads
Cane toads
www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/index.cfm?attributes.fuseaction=open_page&page_id=1572

Tropical savannas CRC
Cane toads
www.savanna.ntu.edu.au/information/r0/t3/r0_t3_1.html

Kakadu Risk Assessment
A preliminary risk assessment of cane toads in Kakadu National Park
www.deh.gov.au/ssd/publications/ssr/164.html

International

National Biological Information Infrastructure
United States web sites on Cane Toads
/www.invasivespecies.gov/profiles/canetoad.shtml

ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
Bufo marinus (amphibian)
www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=113&fr=1&sts=

Page updated: 12 August 2005