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Cane toad control project

Cane toad metamorphs emerging from the fern beach pond. Photo: Judy Boreham

'Getting a grip on cane toads in Byron Shire'

The aims of the project are to:

  • protect important ecosystems and habitats by significantly reducing or eliminating Cane toad populations at priority sites;
  • raise community awareness of the threat cane toads pose to biodiversity; and
  • to develop a neighbourhood volunteer "toad buster" network that can run toad musters in their local areas and monitor changes in toad numbers.

Demonstration cane toad exclusion site

An important element of the project is the establishment of a demonstration cane toad exclusion site. A large pond at the Mullumbimby Golf Course has recently been converted to a toad proof area by installing a temporary fence and planting more than 800 native wetland plants.

The demonstration exclusion site at the Mullumbimby Golf Course has temporary fencing which is high enough to prevent adult toads from jumping or climbing over. The dense planting of native wetland species provides habitat for native frogs and once plants are well established will prevent toads being able to access the pond.

Use of the site to inform landholders what they can do to assist in reducing the available breeding sites for toads will be a key action during years 2 and 3 of the project.

Green Corps assist with installation of the toad proof fence  Photo: Scott Hetherington

The completed breeding exclusion site  Photo: Scott Hetherington