A giant cane toad that has been dubbed “Toadzilla” was found by rangers in Queensland’s Conway National Park near Cairns. This remarkable amphibian tipped the scales at an impressive 2.7kg (6lbs), which could be a new record for her species. Cane toads are one of Australia’s most notorious invasive species and are considered a threat to native wildlife, so let’s take a closer look at Toadzilla and what she tells us about this fascinating species.
About Cane Toads
Cane toads are native to South and Central America but were introduced into Queensland in 1935 with the intention of controlling the cane beetle population. Unfortunately, the plan backfired as they quickly colonised a wide variety of habitats across north-eastern Australia. The toads can grow up to 15cm (5.9in) in size, although some have been known to reach 25cm (10in). They can also live for up to 10 years in the wild and breed year-round when conditions are suitable.
The Impact of Cane Toads on Native Wildlife
Cane toads are fatally poisonous to many Australian predators such as snakes and lizards, which has led to local extinctions of some species. They also compete with native species for shelter and resources, making them highly detrimental to local ecosystems. As if that wasn’t enough, they also eat native frog eggs and tadpoles, further impacting ecological balance in Australia.
What Does Toadzilla Tell Us?
The discovery of Toadzilla is significant because it indicates that cane toads may be adapting better than expected given their environmental pressures. Her impressive size could mean that she is more effective at reproducing than smaller cane toads or that she has been able to evade predators longer than her peers due her large size – either way, her discovery is certainly cause for alarm amongst conservationists who need all the help they can get tackling this destructive invasive species!
The discovery of Toadzilla is an important reminder of just how much damage an invasive species can do when it enters into a new environment – especially when those new environments offer no natural defences against it. It’s now more important than ever before that we act responsibly when introducing new species into previously undisturbed habitats; otherwise we risk seeing more stories like this one unfold.