Toads are copping a caning in Springfield Lakes and now traps have been set to poison the pests before they mature.
Springfield Lakes Nature Care Group (SLNC) installed the traps at Spring and Regatta lakes as part of The University of Queensland Cane Toad Challenge.
The traps are an extension of the group’s highly-successful toad busting nights, which this month took out 294 adult toads.
SLNC president Luise Manning said the traps were already reaping rewards with more than 75 toad tadpoles removed from the local waterways.
“Toad tadpoles swim into the traps, attracted by the bait that is made from the cane toad’s own toxin,” she said.
“The adult toads we catch are put to sleep in a cooler filled with dry ice, which keeps the toads cool.
“They are then put in a freezer to humanely kill them, after which the toxin glands are removed and donated to The University of Queensland to enable researchers to make the baits.
“It’s pretty interesting science when you look at it, and it helps break the cycle of growth while reducing the number of cane toads in our suburbs.”
Springfield Lakes Nature Care Group will host its next toad busting night on Friday, 9 March at 7pm.
Meet at the barbecue tables next to the pontoon at Spring Lake Park. Gloves will be provided, but remember to wear protective clothing and shoes and bring a bucket and torch.
For more information go here.
WATCH: Toadzilla was found in Darwin in 2007. The 860g monster made headlines across the world.
Ten toad facts on the hop
- The cane toad (Rhinella marina) was introduced to Australia in 1935 to control beetles in sugarcane crops throughout Cairns, Gordonvale and Innisfail.
- The ‘invasion front’ reached Brisbane in 1945, the Northern Territory in 1984 and Western Australia in 2009.
- Female cane toads produce between 8,000 and 35,000 eggs at a time.
- Toads breed twice a year from September to March and often lay eggs a few days after rain.
- They eat about 200 food items a night – anything that fits in their mouth from insects to small native frogs.
- Toad toxin is secreted by two large glands behind the ears and contains adrenaline and cardotoxic steroids that target the heart.
- The Australian Museum has received reports of goannas, freshwater crocodiles, snakes, dingoes and quolls dying after eating or mouthing cane toads.
- Side effects for household pets include excessive drooling, red gums and vomiting. If your pet is affected rinse their mouth with cold running water for 10 minutes.
- The RSPCA recommends disposing of cane toads by placing them in the fridge for 12 hours, followed by the freezer for 24 hours. Remember to wear gloves when handling toads.
- Keep your golf clubs in the bag – cruelty to cane toads is unlawful under the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act.
