COFFS COAST ADVOCATE (Coffs Harbour, Australia) 26 December 13 Beware of hidden hitchhikers this summer

The recent capture of three separate cane toads in Coffs Harbour is a timely reminder for travellers headed south to be mindful of any unwanted hitchhikers.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Tim Scanlon said the toads are believed to have been brought to the region by vehicles.

"Recently a number of cane toads had been found at Sapphire Beach and in central Coffs Harbour, and NPWS has been circulating information and coordinating surveys to ensure that any others are quickly found", Mr Scanlon said.

"No breeding populations are known on the Coffs Coast and that's the way we want to keep it.

"Cane toads regularly hitch-hike rides in caravans and other vehicles travelling from cane toad-infested areas to our north and it is especially important to be aware of any unwanted baggage," Tim said.

Cane toads can also be accidentally spread in mulch, soil, pot plants, building material, fruit packages, boxes of agricultural produce, folded tents and trailers.

Cane toads pose a major threat to both native animals and domestic pets.

Their dry warty skin is loaded with toxic compounds; particularly in the large glands located behind their eyes / ear drum.

Once established they can spread quickly.

A female cane toad can deposit up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and may lay several times over the summer season.

There are many important native frog species that look similar to cane toads. If you believe you have found a cane toad it is important to properly identify the species before killing it.

The checklist below may help if you believe you have seen a cane toad:

- Adult cane toads are usually between 9 and 15cm long

- Their skin is dry, rough and warty

- Colour varies from grey, olive, brown to red-brown

- Large sack on each shoulder is a toxin-producing gland

- A pointed snout with a bony ridge from above the eye to the nose

- They do not have any obvious barring on their legs or any bright colours between their legs

- a very distinctive purring call, like an old telephone dial tone.

The southern limit of cane toads is in the Clarence valley.

If you believe you have found a cane toad in the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen or Nambucca areas report it to the National Parks and Wildlife Service on (02) 6652 0900.
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