Two cane toads detected in Glen Innes after "hitching a ride" from Queensland highlight the importance of the NSW Government's newly-declared Cane Toad Biosecurity Zone, aimed at preventing the spread of the species in this state.
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Cane toads poison pets and native predators and can carry diseases that can be spread to native frogs and fish.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the declaration was part of recent changes made under the Biosecurity Regulations 2019.
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"I encourage the Glen Innes community to help keep the region safe from pests by being vigilant, checking for cane toads and reporting possible sightings," he said.
"The recent rain and humidity has provided perfect conditions for cane toads, so it is important travellers are not bringing cane toads unwittingly into the state and everyone in NSW is vigilant because we don't want them to make themselves at home here.
"If allowed to establish, Cane Toads would have a devastating impact on our native wildlife and ecosystems."
Mr Marshall said the new biosecurity zone incorporated all areas of NSW, except a portion of the north-east of the state, where cane toads had already established endemic populations.
"If a suspected cane toad is found in the new biosecurity zone, it must now be reported as soon as practically possible," he said.
If you think you have seen a cane toad in the bio-security zone:
- Don't harm it - it might actually be a native frog
- Wear protective clothing such as disposable gloves, glasses, long sleeves and eye protection before touching it
- Catch it if possible but watch out for poison. When stressed, cane toads can ooze and sometimes squirt poison from glands behind the head
- Take a photo, record your location and report the detection to NSW DPI
- If you can do so safely, keep it in a well-ventilated container with a little water in a cool location while the species is determined.
"The best time to look for Cane Toads is on warm rainy nights, however you can also look in spots they may be sheltering during the day or cool weather," Mr Marshall said.
"Cane Toads prefer open, disturbed habitats close to water and are often found on roads, footpaths and walking tracks, particularly if they are lit up at night as the lights attract insects that they feed on.
"They are also often found in drain pipes, crevices between rocks, hollows under trees, leaf litter or dense vegetation on the ground."
Although there is no broad scale method to control the cane toad, maintaining awareness of them, reporting their presence and managing them responsibly when detected will help in preventing their spread and further establishment in NSW.
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