Cane Toad

Rhinella marina Linnaeus 1758

Species Info Card | Updated 1 decade ago

A very large species with diagnostic bony ridges around the eye and snout (not shared by any native frog). Head is wider than long, and the face is short. The paratoid glands behind the eyes are very large and prominent. The limbs are short; the fingers are unwebbed with basal webbing between the toes. The resting posture is more upright than in native species. The skin of males is dry and coarse; that of females less so. Colour is yellow-brown; the ventral surfaces are white, with some blotching in males. Up to 24 cm.

Breeding Biology

A summer breeder. Breeding occurs in shallow water bodies with little fringing vegetation and a shallow slope. Large females can lay clutches of 30,000 or more eggs. Tadpoles are small, jet black and form large schools. Metamorphosis is rapid (around four weeks) and metamorphs are tiny. All eggs, tadpoles and metamorphs are toxic.

Habitat

Occurs in most environments, but prefers open grasslands.

Etymology

marina means 'marine', as this species was believed to be tolerant of brackish water. Note the genus name has been changed from Bufo (then to Chaunus) to Rhinella in recent years, owing to the results of new genetic data and further 'splitting' by taxonomists for this large and widespread genus.

General

The Cane Toad was introduced to Queensland in 1935 to control native pests of cane crops. The toad had no effect and has steadily marched west and south, arriving in the Kimberley region several years ago.

Native to South and Central American. Introduced to many Caribbean and Pacific islands in the 1930s. In Australia it occurs from Port Macquarie in NSW (with a small population in Sydney), Queensland, northern NT and the eastern Kimberley.

A long steady trill, resembling a dial tone or an outboard motor in the distance.