Combating cane toads
Cane toad
Ecologists are building a toad-proof fence as part of a suite of measures aimed at halting the advance of the destructive cane toad in Emma Gorge, part of the Kimberley wilderness in Western Australia.
The fence will be trialled in Emma Gorge as the unique geography of the area increase the likelihood of it being effectively protected. The near vertical cliff faces surrounding the gorge are difficult for toads to navigate and the fence complements this natural defence.
Dr Sean Doody of the School of Biological Sciences has conducted long-term studies on the impacts of toads and has observed the disturbance of eco-systems following their arrival. He is one of the Emma Gorge fence project partners.
Dr Doody stressed that the fence is only one component of a suite of measures to create a toad-free area.
“There is the natural defence of the cliffs, toad traps along the fence, rangers monitoring and controlling toads at the fence, and toad-busting outside the fence by community groups to ensure that as few toads as possible actually make it to the fence,” said Dr Doody.
“It’s tempting to compare the fence to dingo and rabbit fences but ultimately, it will be the comprehensive effort and the uniqueness of the physical geography of the site that will make this project successful.”
The fence is designed to restrict the access of toads while allowing most native fauna to pass through or over it. It will allow further study of the impact of toads by allowing researchers to measure the pre-toad and post-toad abundance of small vertebrate animals.
Cane toads were originally introduced to Queensland in 1935 in an attempt to control the cane beetles damaging sugar cane crops. Although ineffective as pest control, toads thrived and have spread to cover 30 per cent of Australia. They reached the Kimberley in 2009.
Toads flourish in Australia at the expense of Australian native species as they are vicious competitors for food and habitat, and prey on native fauna. Additionally, toads are lethal to most predators due to their ability to secrete a toxin when they are attacked.