It is recommended that landholders scoop the tadpoles out of the trap and check for any off target species which should be returned to the waterbody.Ĭane toads can be distinguished from other tadpoles (see image below) by being big and black, active in the heat of the day, swarming in the open and almost a diamond shape. For this reason it is important to dispose of the euthanised tadpoles in a place where they can’t be ingested by other animals.Īlthough the baits only attract cane toad tadpoles, it is still possible for a native fish or frog tadpoles to accidentally swim into the trap. Ongoing efforts can reduce the toad population in your local area.Ĭane toads are poisonous at all life cycle stages. For this reason trapping tadpoles before they metamorphose can be an extremely effective way of removing an entire generation of toads from your property. Tadpoles are then euthanised by putting into the fridge for 12 hours, then putting into the freezer.Ĭane toad tadpoles can stay in tadpole form for a long time, between 3–20 weeks.
The cane toads swim into the trap and can’t swim out. Researchers were then able to replicate the ‘smell’ of the eggs into baits which are placed in a simple funnel-type trap. Scientists discovered that cane toad eggs release an attractant, which draws in other cane toad tadpoles who predate on the eggs (yes, cane toads are cannibals). The groundbreaking method discovered by University of Queensland uses the toad’s own toxins to lure cane toad tadpoles by the thousands into a trap where they can be removed and euthanised humanely. Cane toad tadpoles can stay in tadpole form for a long time, between 320 weeks. Land for Wildlife members have joined the front line to stop the spread of cane toads. Tadpoles are then euthanised by putting into the fridge for 12 hours, then putting into the freezer.
Article by Danielle Outram, conservation partnerships officer, Sunshine Coast Council
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