Australian Government Department of the Environment state Cane Toads can range anywhere from 10 cm to over 23 cm in some cases, they have moist warty skin with toxin producing glands (2005). The toxin produced by the Cane Toad has been known to cause death by ingestion. The poison attacks primarily the heart (Cameron, 2013) although there may be varying reactions depending on the species that is lucky enough to experience the power of the Cane Toad.
The Cane Toad is native to Central and South America and was brought into Australia from Hawaii in an attempt to control the pests that were destroying the sugar cane crops (Australian Government Department of the Environment, 2005). Not only did the Cane Toad have little success in controlling the pests in the crops they also proved to "tough, adaptable" and have "few predators in Australia" (Cameron, 2013) and with that began to spread rapidly.
With this introduced, non-native species Australian biodiversity takes a hit. Native predator numbers have declined due to consumption of the Cane Toads. (Australian Government Department of the Environment 2010). Another effect is competition. The Cane Toad, just like every other species competes for habitat and usually wins the battle. For example, according to the Australian Government Department of the Environment, "a 2004 study showed that cane toads ruined one-third of nest attempts of ground-nesting rainbow bee-eaters by usurping their nest burrows and preying upon their eggs and young nestling" (2010).
The Cane Toad provides a great example for how invasive species can effect ecosystems and biodiversity in areas in which they are not meant to inhabit.
References:
Department of the Environment 2005, Australian Government, viewed 14 March 2014, <http://www.environment.gov.au/node/14576>
Department of the Environment 2005, Australian Government, viewed 14 March 2014,<http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/cane-toad-bufo-marinus>
Elizabeth Cameron 2013, Australian Museum, New South Whales, viewed 14 March 2014, <http://www.austmus.gov.au/Cane-Toad>
Picture Credit:
The Cane Toad: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-04-24/german-explosions-could-they-hold-the-answer-to/1557086
The
Cane Toad is tough and adaptable, as well as being poisonous throughout
its life cycle, and has few predators in Australia. - See more at:
http://www.austmus.gov.au/Cane-Toad#sthash.QbtBczg1.dpuftoug
The
Cane Toad is tough and adaptable, as well as being poisonous throughout
its life cycle, and has few predators in Australia. - See more at:
http://www.austmus.gov.au/Cane-Toad#sthash.QbtBczg1.dpuf
The
Cane Toad is tough and adaptable, as well as being poisonous throughout
its life cycle, and has few predators in Australia. - See more at:
http://www.austmus.gov.au/Cane-Toad#sthash.QbtBczg1.dpuf
A nice “close-to-home” example. I am curious if you’ve come across any research showing local native species adaptations to cane toads? I think Rick Shine has been doing a lot of work on the cane toad front.
ReplyDeleteLove it. I have recently read some amazing research papers in regards to how they are pushing the evolution of our native species and also how contrary to popular belief the cane toad hasn't sent a single species extinct. This is an awesome topic and Ill be checking back for sure!
ReplyDeleteWhile I was looking into this topic I did come across some information regarding adaptations of local species as a result of the cane toad as well. I also found that very interesting and thought about including some of that information in this last post. Maybe I'll make that the next blog!
ReplyDeleteNice article! I recall hearing something about how cane toads are evolving longer legs to help them spread over the continent at a faster rate. I wonder if any other species of toad are doing the same?
ReplyDeleteI did actually just read the same thing. That the Cane Toad is also evolving and one of the traits are longer legs. I do not know if the other species are doing the same as well though but will look into it.
ReplyDelete