Cane toad its own worst enemy

PHOTO

Research has found cane toads are attracted to their own poison. [ABC]

Conor Duffy

Last Updated: Wed, 13 Jun 2012 13:31:00 +1000

Australian scientists say they may be able to use a cane toad's own poison to interrupt the animal's prolific breeding cycle.

The cane toad has caused problems in many Pacific nations including Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Solomon Islands.

Research from the University of Sydney says that as the poison repels native tadpoles but lures cane toad tadpoles, it's possible to trap and kill huge numbers of young toads.

Professor Rick Shine was one of the researchers who made the breakthrough.

"I think its a really effective way to stop cane toads breeding," Professor Shine told the ABC.

"Once you stop them breeding, going out and collecting adult toads has a big impact."

The process of extraction currently involves manually extracting the cane toad poison, but Professor Shine says the research has the backing of the Australian Research Council to create a pill from the toxic substance.

"We're working with the University of Queensland with some chemists there. And we're hoping that we can come up with a relatively non-toxic, pure form of the chemical that will last for a long time, that will be safe to use."

Despite the breakthrough, Professor Shine believes toads will never be wiped out completely.

"[It's] too much work, too many people, too many billabongs," he said.

"But if there's a particular area we really care about that has high conservation value, then I think it's a really effective way to stop cane toads breeding."