A local Central Coast business discovered this unwanted visitor, a cane toad in an interstate delivery this week. Thanks to their quick action, he won’t be out causing our local wildlife problems anytime soon.
The cane toad is an invasive species renowned for its ability to proliferate and devastate the native population. Council is encouraging businesses to be vigilant when they get supplies from areas where cane toads are found such as Queensland.
Cane toads have dry warty skin, a pointed snout with a bony ridge from above the eye to the nose, parotoid glands which look like large sacks on each shoulder and are heavily-built. Colouration varies from grey, olive and brown to red-brown and their bellies are pale with dark mottling.
If you spot one of these amphibians, try to contain it (never handle them without gloves) and call your local vet or Council immediately 4325 8222 / 4350 5555 for identification. Please do not kill them, as they can be easily confused with native frogs.
Source: Online Media Statement, Central Coast Council, January 12, 2017