The largest Toad (about 20 cm. or 10 in.) in the world, Cane Toad, native to South America, became a pest in Australia. Since, the Toad’s introduction in 1935 to suppress Cane Beetle population, He has overrun parts of Australia. This voracious Toad eats anything including native species such as small Marsupials. Moreover, He also clogs water holes needed for raising Sheep and Cattle.
Cane Toad’s highly developed poison glands can squirt poison from three feet away. The poison is so toxic that it can cause pain and vomiting in humans. If eaten, Cane Toad will poison the animal.
These huge Toads eat Reptiles, small Mammals, and Birds. They snatch their prey with their sticky tongues and swallow the prey whole. The only limit that the Toad has on what He eats is the size of His mouth.
Cane Toad teaches responsibility. In their native environment, these Toads have predators that control their population. Careless people introduced them where there were no checks on the Toads. The Toad is an example of unintended consequences.
Cane Toad’s Teachings Include:
“Cane Toad Dreaming suggest that we reach deep down inside ourselves in order to find and retrieve our hidden potential.” Copyright: “Animal Dreaming” by Scott Alexander King..
Conservation Note: Australia wants to eradicate this Toad. Consult the Queensland Museum for more information.
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Photo of Cane Toad courtesy of the Queensland Museum (Australia)
Va. Carper