Glen Innes Severn Council has been alerted to a report of a cane toad (Rhinella marina) sighting within the local area.
Authorities from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services are collaborating with the individual who reported the sighting, as well as local businesses, to ensure biosecurity measures are in place to conduct inspections.
Cane toads pose a significant threat to ecosystems and communities. They can spread by hiding in freight, green waste, and timber, potentially establishing new populations. Under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, they are classified as a declared pest, meaning sightings must be reported. The NSW Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone has been established to prevent their further spread.
Community vigilance is crucial in preventing the spread of cane toads. They can be recognised by their dry, warty skin, large glands behind the eyes, and their distinctive hopping movement. Anyone who suspects they have seen a cane toad is advised to report the sighting immediately.
Currently, approximately 98% of NSW remains free of cane toads. However, a small population is established in north-eastern NSW. Regulations and control programs are in place to prevent their further spread across the state.
The Impact of Cane Toads
Cane toads have few natural predators in Australia and pose several risks:
• Their toxins can poison pets and cause injury to humans.
• They poison native animals that feed on frogs, tadpoles, and frog eggs.
• They consume large numbers of honeybees, affecting beekeepers.
• Once established in the wild, they are difficult to control.
• They prey on native animals, including threatened species, and compete for food, contributing to population declines of species such as snakes.
• They can carry diseases that may be transmitted to native frogs and fish.
Preventing Cane Toad Spread
Although the majority of NSW remains cane toad-free, research suggests that these pests could establish in larger areas due to natural spread and long-distance movement as stowaways. Landowners, businesses, visitors, and members of the public need to remain aware of the risks and take appropriate measures.
To keep the NSW Cane Toad Incursion Management Area free of these pests, all suspected cane toads in the area must be reported, captured, and positively identified before being humanely euthanised.
What to Do if You Find a Suspected Cane Toad
Catch it:
• Do not harm it—it could be a native frog.
• Wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection before handling.
• Be cautious of toxins—cane toads can ooze or squirt poison from glands behind their head when stressed.
• If safe to do so, place the toad in a well-ventilated container with a small amount of water and keep it in a cool location while authorities confirm its species.
Report it:
• Take a clear photo if possible.
• Record the location of the sighting.
• Report it using ToadScan or the online reporting form.
ToadScan is a free tool designed for landholders, community groups, local councils, and pest control professionals to track and report cane toad sightings. It is available as an app on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Sightings can also be reported online at: https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247
By remaining vigilant and reporting sightings, the community can help prevent the spread of cane toads and protect the local environment.
