“I think we could have a really big impact on toad populations in areas where there are very few water bodies... So particularly down in that semi-arid area on the fringe of the desert in the Northern Territory, (and) Queensland... relatively quickly ... there’d be no toads over vast areas.”
Professor Rick Shine of Macquarie University measuring a cane toad. Photo: Terri Shine
WHERE ARE WE AT WITH CANE TOADS?
Cane Toads. An Amphibian attack on Australia.
Professor Rick Shine from Macquarie University explains how young toads can be like a bottle of scotch, what Fine Young Cannibals can teach us, and how Peter Pan could be the solution to the problem.
The international archetype of bio-control failure, South America's Giant Toad was introduced to Australia 90 years ago to control sugar cane pests. As it forged on beyond cane fields towards the rest of the continent, it became better known as the Cane Toad.
Seemingly unstoppable, and leaving a trail of devastated native creatures in its wake, the toxic toad became bigger, faster, stronger and more deadly to other creatures.
But with the help of dedicated researchers such as Professor Shine, the battle may finally swing in our favour.
Where Are We At With... CANE TOADS?