The alarming growth in the population of cane toads poses a serious threat to native predators due to the toxic substances they release. Their unselective feeding habits worsen the issue, outcompeting native species for food. As they move into urban areas, pets are also becoming victims of the cane toad.
Cane toads, initially a concern for Queenslanders, have become a national issue. With an estimated annual spread of 40-60 km across Australia since their introduction, their invasive march is now an issue for the entire country.
How to get rid of cane toads
To address this escalating problem, the invasive species organisation Watergum is orchestrating a nationwide initiative named the Great Cane Toast Bust. This week-long event, running from January 13 - 21, urges people to actively participate in collecting and humanely euthanising cane toads, toadlets, and tadpoles.
While public involvement is encouraged to combat this national pest, experts caution against using sporting equipment to dispatch the toads. Apart from the risk of exposure to their poisonous secretions, it is inhumane.
Watergum recommends a more humane approach, advocating the 'cool and freeze method', and suggests collecting cane toad eggs before hatching as an additional control measure.
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